News
N23B Pensioners’ Claims: Mutfwang To Appear in Court As Retirees Sue PLSG
******17 Local Government Councils of Plateau State To Appear In Court Tomorrow, April 8, 2024 As 986 Retirees Sue PLSG Over unpaid Gratuities & Pension Arrears
******As 986 Retirees Narrate Ordeal, Confirm Efforts To Foster Amicable Resolution With Plateau State Government, PLSG Proved Abortive.
By Victor Bieni, Jos
As part of efforts towards ensuring that the Judiciary play its roles in terms of contributing towards social peace, upholding the rights, trust of citizens for dispute resolution, fairness, equity and justice, Messrs Dung Mammam Zi and Zakka T. Plangzak on behalf of 986 Retirees of the 17 LGAs of Plateau State, had taken legal action against the Executive Governor of the State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Chairmen of 17 Local Government Areas of the State and others as they are to appear in National Industrial Court Court, Jos, tomorrow being 8th April, 2024 over alleged unpaid gratuities and pension arrears worth N23B as claimed by the Local Government Retirees .
Our reporter learnt today being on Sunday, April 7, 2024 in a Lawsuit made available to some group of Journalists in Jos, Plateau State capital which contains the lawsuit as filed by Messrs. Dung Mamman Zi and Zakka T. Plangzak themselves and on behalf of 986 other retirees sued the 17 Local Government Councils Chairmen, Plateau State Government and 23 others as joined in Suit No: NICN/JOS/22/2023 in the National Industrial Court of Nigeria holding tomorrow being April 8, 2024 at Jos.
The Lawsuit hinted that, the case will be heard at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Jos on April 8th, 2024. The details of the Lawsuit as contained in the court order had it that, the 986 LG Councils Retirees in Plateau State had a lawsuit claims of a total of 23 billion Naira owed to them. This amount includes unpaid gratuities, pension arrears which was calculated based on 55% of the 18,000 minimum wage (instead of the 100% paid to state civil servants), and other outstanding pension amounts.
Historically, you could recall that the said ordeals as faced by the 986 retirees of 17 LGAs in Plateau State as learnt by our reporter, the Retirees retired between 2012 and the date of the lawsuit was filed in 2023. This, according to them, the Retirees have not received their gratuities. Most of the Retirees also have pension arrears dating back to their retirement, when they were only offered half pensions based on the 55% salary agreement. In 2011, the Plateau State Government represented by MLCA, LGSC witnessed by the Minister for Labour and Productivity as well as State chairman of NLC in Plateau State, who reached an interim agreement with the Labor Unions representing Local Government employees. This agreement stipulated a temporary 55% salary for local government employees compared to their state-level counterparts. The remaining 45% was promised upon improvement in government revenue.
According to the lawsuit as made available to newsmen, the media learnt that despite the minimum wage increases, the promised arrears have not been paid to the 986 retirees. Additionally, some health workers have suffered reductions in their Grade Levels, impacting their pension calculations. The 986 Retirees had also confirmed to the media that efforts for Resolution proved abortive as pursued using various avenues for resolution before resorting to legal action. They contacted the then Head of Service, Mrs. Hulda Fwanchi, who established a committee to investigate their case. The committee recommended calculating their pensions based on the full 100% salary rate given to state civil servants. However, this recommendation was not implemented.
The media learnt that, the legal basis for the claims on the lawsuit is supported by Sections 210 and 318(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), which define a Public Officer of the State to include Local Government staff. Additionally, Sections 16 and 20 of the Local Government Staff Pension Board Law of Plateau State state that upon retirement, a local government employee is entitled to the same benefits as those at the state level.
Authenticating the law suits, or legal action by the 986 Retirees of the 17 Local Government Councils of Plateau State to the media and in line with the arguments as presented by their Lawyers; which comprises of A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Edwin O.Okoro, the lead counsel, Mr. Nanyak Dindam Dashe, representing the retirees, argues that previous governments have mistakenly viewed local government employees as deserving less due to their association with the third tier of government. He emphasizes that these employees are essentially state government employees assigned to work at the local level.
Dashe contends that the Constitution recognizes only two public service categories: the Federal Public Service for federal government staff and the State Public Service, which encompasses both state-level employees under the State Civil Service Commission and local government employees under the Local Government Service Commission. Notably, the same House of Assembly established both commissions. Speaking further, Dashe argues that, local governments deserve greater support due to their direct service to rural communities. Regarding pensions and gratuities, he emphasizes their status as protected rights under Section 210 of the Constitution.
The counsel to the 986 Plateau State LGC Retirees, Dashe argues more on Pension Review and Minimum Wage Increase, that the retirees have the right to request a pension review since the Constitution mandates such reviews whenever salaries are adjusted. According to him, “Given that their pensions are currently based on the 18,000 minimum wage, they should be recalculated based on the new 30,000 Naira minimum wage. She anticipates further pension increases and gratuity recalculations with the potential introduction of a new minimum wage”.
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
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