News

Edo Council Workers Bicker Over Alleged Non Payment Of Salaries, Training Allowances

Published

5 years ago

December 8, 2020

Some workers of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have been complaining of non payment of salaries and training allowances while attending the local government training school in Bekuma, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

Investigation shows that many of the workers were stranded in the school as they were told to proceed to the school but the council has not paid their allowances for the training.

It was also gathered that the workers were being owed two months salary.

A senior worker of the council who preferred anonymity told newsmen that “Normally they promise the workers that they will give them books, give them N50,000 for feeding and others during the training but for three months they have been there, there is no payment and they are just there. They will come home and they will not get money as I speak, the council is owing workers two months salary.

“The acting chairman of the council recently embarked on a screening to weed out some workers which is to witch-hunt some persons. Out of the 18 local government areas, 12 are being owed salaries. The people of my local government have been sent to Bekuma but they are not given the money needed to be trained, some of them will borrow money to come home and when they go to the council, they are not attended to.”

However, reacting to the allegation, the Acting chairman of the council, Alhaji Imonofi Inusa denied the allegation.

He said salary payment is of priority to the current administration which is usually tied to monthly allocation.

Inusa said: “The person who told you that is not telling you the truth. The state government does not take the salary of workers lightly and we are following the same, so any local government chairman that is joking with staff salary, the governor will not take it lightly with such chairman.

“However, payment of salaries is based on the allocation that is coming in which is not the state government’s fault, so, it is on the basis of that we pay, and allocation is not a hidden thing, it is an open thing.”

On Bekuma school training allowances, he said “Salary is statutory that we must pay, such allowance is not statutory, anytime that the council is comfortable they will be paid.”

On staff reduction, he said there are several over aged workers in the council who are still in service using sworn affidavits and that he has written to the Local Government Service Commission for such exercise to be carried out.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

14 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

15 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

15 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.