News
Paris Club Refund: Gov Ahmed Releases More Fund To LGs
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
In fulfilment of his pledge to ensure that backlog of salaries of all categories of workers in the state becomes a thing of the past, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has approved the release of additional N1billion to local government areas to enable them pay a month salary.
According to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communications, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, who briefed newsmen after a meeting between the governor and labour leaders in Ilorin, the approval of the additional N1billion followed the consent of the state House of Assembly to government proposal on the matter.
Dr. Akorede said the state government stepped down such projects as construction of classrooms, renovation of the indoor sport hall among others to allow for payment of the local government workers, adding that the initial N1billion given to the local government councils was to carter for Local Government workers and Pensioners while the additional N1billion was meant for State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The governor, according to his media aide, emphasised that the Paris Club refund had been appropriated in 2017 budget, saying that the Federal Government directed states of the federation that fashioned the refund in the 2017 budget to spend 75 per cent of the fund towards salaries payment.
He said the governor told the labour leaders that the protects stepped down would be prioritised in the subsequent inflows and appealed to the unions to be mindful of their approaches in agitating for anything and always employ dialogue in driving home their grievances.
Governor Ahmed also called on the National Assembly to review the revenue sharing formula in favour of states and local governments to enable them meet their financial obligations, while appealing to the Federal Government to take over funding of basic education for efficient and effective management.
Reacting to the additional release of N1b to SUBEB, Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Yekin Agunbiade, state President, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Comrade Musa Abubakar and Deputy President, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Comrade Oloruntade Ibikunle in their separate submissions expressed gratitude to the governor for the kind gesture.
The labour leaders who described the governor as a listening person, explained that they were going back home as fulfilled labour leaders.
According to them; “Our agitation is that Local Government workers including SUBEB and Pensioners are not adequately taken care of but the governor out of his magnanimity approved additional N1billion.”
“With this, all categories of staff including pensioners will be able to get a month full salary and I think that is a welcome development”, he added.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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