News

Jubilation As Kwara Govt Pays December Salaries, Pensions, Gratuities

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2022

Civil servants and pensioners all over Kwara State are in high spirits with the prompt payment of their December salaries, gratuities and pensions, it was learnt.

The elated workers were said to have trooped into their banks with songs of praises for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and in preparation for the Yuletide season.

A statement by the Spokesperson of the Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, Kwara State Chapter, Hon. Mrs. Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence said public workers in the State were in high spirits after they received alert of the payment of their December salaries ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“This is commendable, no doubt, because many states are still battling to clear the backlog of workers’ salaries and pensions,” the statement added.

She said the government also approved 100% payment of 2009 and 2010 arrears of pensions and gratuities for retirees in the local government from the SURE-P refund to states.

It was gathered that civil servants in the state who thronged to various banks yesterday said they had every reason to support the re-election bid of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq come 2023, while others promised to put in their best because the government had shown responsibility to workers welfare in the midst of dwindling resources in the country.

Many of the workers were seen at the secretariat praying for the governor and pledging their continued support, a statement from the campaign spokesperson said.

According to Hon. Mrs. Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence, “ (for)this singular action, and flowing from previous months of prompt payment of salaries, we can boldly and confidently say Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is one of the first Governors in Nigeria to pay this month’s workers’ salaries.

“This masterstroke can be described as an ‘avalanche of goodness’ from the most responsible, worker-friendly Governor in Nigeria, especially so, at a time the country and state governments are in financial despair and experiencing dwindling revenue and uncertainties.

“This issue will form a significant part of the governor’s re-election debate and messaging as it relates to stewardship so far in Kwara State and beyond but unfortunately, desperate opposition and critics have cautiously avoided this public discourse of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s efficient economic management.

“We cannot pretend to have forgotten so soon, how workers in this state were owed salaries spanning several months by previous Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led governments.

“We must not allow the PDP and their political godfather gain access into our state treasury with their obnoxious ‘geri-gedi’ salary policy. We are not unaware of the grace-to-grass situation of their godfather – his dwindling political relevance in our national political discourse and why he must not be allowed to use Kwara treasury to bounce back to limelight – not anymore”.

It would be recalled that Governor AbdulRazaq has implemented the N30,000 minimum wage for workers which is paid by only a few states in the country.

The Governor has made it a standing tradition to pay workers earlier during festive periods for them to make adequate preparations and provisions for their families. Besides, upon assumption of office the governor also cleared backlogs of salaries owed to workers by the previous administrations across MDAs.

This is as he has restored funding of MDAs with running costs to guarantee efficiency and effectiveness in their day-to-day operations and administration.

The Governor has over time been commended for his commitment to workers’ welfare by stakeholders in the state and country.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

5 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

5 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.