News

We Owe No Workers Salaries-Edo Govt

Published

11 years ago

January 12, 2016

By Monday EBALU, Benin City

Edo state government has reiterated that no workers in the state is owned salary, saying that December salary was paid before Christmas day.
Reacting to the coalitions of tertiary institutions workers who protested round some major streets in Benin demanding for their five months salaries owned them by the Edo State Government, the state commissioner for Education, Gideon Obakhan said the state government does not owe any of its works force, including workers of the state owned tertiary institutions.
Gideon Obakhan said yesterday while interacting with some journalists on the issues said Edo state government is the few state in Nigeria today that have been able to pay salaries.
“The issue with the coalition of tertiary institutions union is between them and their management. Every month the state government gives subvention to these institutions and they are expected to also generate revenue internally to be able to runs the schools.
“I think it is either misunderstandings of how these institutions are run on the part of the coalitions or people are just trying to be mischievous.
“It is untrue that the ministry have not wadded into the crisis between the union and their management. We have series of meetings in my office where they appeal for support and bailout and in December last year, close to the Christmas period, the governor, in order to reduce the pressure on the workers who were saying the schools have not paid them, approved a bailout for them which was paid to the institutions.
“I have received messages from these institutions that they have received same and have also paid their workers.
“Like I said earlier, their agitation could be due to the misunderstanding on how the processes works or people just want to be mischievous for political reasons.
“Says they (coalition) have raised several issues which are largely internal to them and we have sent messages to their management in that regards and awaits responses from them.
“I cannot rely on hear say or act based on what I heard from one party. When I get the responses from management of these institutions, I would decide on the next line of action to take.
According to the commissioner, “How the government operates is that we give subvention to these institutions on a monthly basis depending on their size to support the running of the institutions.”
“One thing I want to state here is that these schools are largely autonomous. For instance, AAU get a subvention of about N254 m, USEN get something of about N25m.
“What they are expected to do with the fund is to run the schools which involves the payment of salaries, provision of facilities, although they also get support from TETFUND. Government provide some counterpart funding to run this.
“These institutions are also to generate revenue internally through school fees, and other legal means. This is expected to be argument to the subvention in the running of the schools.
“Payment of salaries is solely their responsibility. They decide the number of lecturers and administrative staff they employ. The prudence of how these funds are expended rest with the management of these schools.
“We do not interfere in the management of these institutions. They decide whether properly staff or whether their internally generated revenue is sufficient to argument what they received as subvention from the government.
“If they decide today to reduce the staff strength to meet up with their financial requirement is entirely up to them. We do not interfere on how with how they pay but we support them through monthly subvention.
“So when this people come out to say government is owing them, it shows their lack of understanding of the processes or being sponsored by opposition.
“But I expect that haven being in the system for so long, they should know how these schools are run.”
Responding to the commissioner comments, the president of the coalitions of tertiary institutions said, “it is not true as I have said several times. We didn’t request for bail out but said they should pay us our salaries. They are owing the Colleges in the coalition between 3-5 months. We embarked on another street protest in December because the state government was still owing us and as I speak with you now, they are still owing us.
“The problem started about two years ago since we started our agitation. At a point they used the trust fund or corporative to pay us. After the first tranches of about N89 million naira they paid in 2014 to bail the school out of the crisis, and they set up an investigative panel and after that it never came out with any other payment. The government is owing us and we are embarrassed.”

News

2027 BENUE GUBER: MORE TROUBLE FOR GOV ALIA

Published

20 hours ago

July 14, 2026

milcah

The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .

Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .

The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,

News

ENGR. BELLO BABAYO BELLO FELICITATES VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA ON RENOMINATION

Published

1 day ago

July 14, 2026

milcah

Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, Executive Director (Networks) of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his renomination as the Vice Presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In his message, Engr. Bello described the renomination as a beautiful affirmation of the Vice President’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and prosperity. He noted that Senator Shettima, himself a former Senator of the Federal Republic, has consistently embodied resilience, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that continue to inspire confidence across the nation.

“This renomination is a shining testament to your unwavering dedication to the Nigerian people,” Engr. Bello stated. “It reflects the trust of the party and the citizens in your ability to guide our country toward greater progress, peace, and prosperity. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, and this endorsement is richly deserved.”

Engr. Bello further emphasized that Senator Shettima’s political journey has been marked by courage and service. From his tenure as Governor of Borno State to his current role as Vice President, he has consistently championed initiatives that address national challenges, foster economic growth, and promote inclusive development.

As a leader in the power sector, Engr. Bello highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in driving infrastructure and energy reforms. He expressed confidence that Senator Shettima’s continued role in government will further strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver reliable power, expand opportunities, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the Vice President wisdom, strength, and good health to continue serving the nation with distinction. “May Allah bless your efforts, guide your decisions, and grant you success as you carry forward the responsibility of leadership,” he added.

The message concluded with a reaffirmation of goodwill and support: “Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. We look forward to your continued contributions to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.”

Signed:Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSEExecutive Director (Networks)Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)

News

What MKA Will Do Differently

Published

2 days ago

July 13, 2026

milcah

Open rural roads to allow faster and deeper security response, while also improving the movement of agricultural products. The current government has focused on cosmetic projects that do not reflect the current challenges and realities of the state. The rural areas are the most hard hit by this terror and my government will focus on providing a targeted and holistic responses .
To ensure deterrence, I will set up a committee of experienced legal minds to monitor and follow up the prosecution of criminals arrested by the police. I will also work with the State Assembly to further strengthen our anti-crime laws.
Improve security intelligence by deepening collaboration with the clergy, traditional rulers, neighbouring states, and security agencies. I will also improve surveillance by building a command centre capable of 24-hour remote monitoring of critical and volatile areas of the state. The current government of Abia State under Alex Otti has delivered one such project with great results.
Payment of salaries should not be a yardstick for measuring good governance. Salaries are simply workers’ entitlements for services rendered. To promote transparency, I will publish a public salary website showing the monthly status of salary payments.
I will set up a committee tasked with ensuring Benue youths are fairly represented in federal government job recruitment exercises.
In the area of sports, I will build astroturf football pitches across the state to encourage youth participation in sports. Additionally entrepreneurs will receive grants and low interest loans to grow.
Agriculture is a business, and our farmers will be equipped with the training and infrastructure needed to carry out commercial farming. I will deploy my experience of running a rice factory over the last 10 years to transform agriculture into a profitable enterprise.
Global cities are also entertaining cities. Benue has a large pool of talented entertainers, and I will set up an Entertainment Advisory Board to promote talent and grow the entertainment industry in the state.