Nigeria

By Uzair Adam Imam 

In a decisive operation on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Benin expressway, the Ogun State Police Command has neutralized two suspected kidnappers in a shootout, as announced by Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson.

According to Ms Odutola, the suspects met their fate during a daring rescue mission executed by police personnel to liberate abducted Indian nationals. 

The successful operation, aided by local vigilantes, led to the safe recovery of the hostages.

Identified as Tejaram Chauhan, Kaduwal Pradhan, and Medani Kathiwada, the Indian nationals had fallen victim to abduction on Friday. 

Alongside their rescue, authorities seized a substantial sum of N7.9 million, along with 1,500 Indian Rupees, believed to be part of the ransom extorted by the kidnappers.

The ordeal began when the Manager of Breeze Company Nigeria Limited, situated on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway, reported an attack to the Divisional Police Officer, Mowe Divisional Headquarters. 

The incident involved gunfire directed at vehicles transporting the manager’s principals at Kajola junction along the Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta expressway.

While the police escort accompanying the first vehicle managed to repel the assailants and safeguard all occupants, three Indian nationals in the second vehicle were abducted. 

Prompt response from the anti-kidnapping section, in collaboration with local security units, initiated a thorough search of the area.

A fierce confrontation ensued in the forest along the Benin-Sagamu Papalanto route, resulting in the rescue of the hostages unharmed. 

Two of the six kidnappers were incapacitated during the exchange of fire, with authorities recovering two AK-47 rifles, a single-barrel locally made gun, a sword, cell phones, criminal paraphernalia, and 65 rounds of ammunition.

The deceased suspects have been transferred to the public mortuary while intensive efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

By Muhammad Isyaku

The challenges faced by private school teachers in Nigeria are weighty. Many feel undervalued and disrespected by school proprietors, who often fail to treat them as equals. Despite their qualifications, teachers find themselves in dehumanising situations where their salaries are insufficient to meet their basic needs.

In Nigeria, private school teachers, particularly those working at the crèche, nursery, primary, and secondary levels of education, are akin to pumpkins in deserted homesteads because most school proprietors don’t treat them as fellow humans.

Imagine someone who has never paid your school fees; they just met you as a graduate with your qualifications, but because you are working under them, it would be dehumanising to you as if what they pay you could cater to your life demands.

Private school teachers are going through tough situations, and some of them contribute to their misfortunes because they are stuck in monster schools where they are not respected and dignified. If not for weaklings and silly-minded teachers, how could you choose to continue working with a proprietor who doesn’t respect your persona?

Some proprietors would shout at teachers in front of the students or their parents, giving students much higher priority than teachers in some schools. Some proprietors would prefer losing a teacher to losing a student, and the only excuse they have is that they might use the money to employ another teacher to replace the one they lost but could not use the funds to bring in students to their school, which is a terrible idea to me.

Furthermore, private school students are often disrespectful. Most of them don’t exhibit good manners in school, and their reason for misbehaving toward teachers or other school personnel is that their parents pay for their school fees, so they should be exempted from discipline. In contrast, students in public schools behave better because the government pays for them and provides everything for them for free.

In my experience, the most annoying place for a graduate to work is a private school. Though not all private school students are hellish or mannerless, some respect us as our younger siblings do at home. I won’t fail to admit that but the majority are not well-mannered. 

Most of the management in those schools doesn’t respect the welfare of their staff, but they want teachers to do a donkey job for them in the school. Some even have the manner of owing salaries; some would pay but not complete; some would pay, but teachers have to buy all the textbooks needed for their subjects.

I don’t want to be on record saying all proprietors are bad. Some are good and nice to work with, but others are pharaohs in human skins. My only candid advice for young graduates of either NCE or degree programs to work for private schools is for experience’s sake, nothing more or less.

Suppose one works in a private school before getting employment by the government or any private sector. In that case, he will learn much more, especially by being contemptuous and modest, because the salary can never be enough. Though nothing can be reached in this life, patience is the key.

However, in a private school, if one is to calculate what he is earning, even a pure water hawker could be earning more than he does in a month if all the daily earnings are to be calculated at the end of the month. 

I advise graduates to look for alternatives to teaching in private schools because those proprietors would exploit them and get richer through their sweat while they are getting poorer. The annoying part is that they don’t appreciate your effort. If they did, they should have found a token or incentive to offer you or pay while on vacation, but they won’t. All they do is let the month end before they pay you the salary.

People, especially young graduates, should go and learn skills or other business because teaching in private schools is not for them and can never contain their needs, especially in this hard-hit Nigeria. I am saying this from experience and as a private school teacher presently.

Moreover, for those who might be stricken or hurt by my words, I want to categorically state that I owe nobody an apology whatsoever. If you are unhappy with my submission, you can write a rejoinder and counter-argue.

Muhammad Isyaku wrote via muhammadisyakumalumfashi@gmail.com.

By Fatimat Ibr

It was my first Ramadan as a graduate and as a serving copper, and it was two days before Ramadan. As a tradition, I called my mom to ask her about the preparation for Ramadan. I knew I couldn’t afford her anything just yet, but checking in was very necessary and important.

She answered, “Hmmm, you know the condition of this house before you left, nothing ohh I don’t have anything, this is 08:30, I am still on my way home from the market, I delayed hoping I will eventually make a good sale so I can get some things we need but no show, things are expensive, we don’t have beans, rice auger or millet, like always I will be buying with cups when I can, Aisha is sick, Usman hasn’t pay his school fees, wallahi I am tired, you and your sis should do fast and come and continue I am tired”.

Before she ended her conversation, my throat was dry and tight, tears were rolling down my cheeks, I couldn’t form a word, tried but couldn’t, and had to end the call.

This is a story of one to a hundred youths in Nigeria, both male and female.

I am a young girl in her early twenties, already caught in the fire of fending for myself, which I barely can do and must carry on with four or five family members. Why? Because I need to pay the “black tax.”

Black tax is a term that originated in South Africa and refers to money that black workers or professionals and others with high income give their parents, siblings, friends, or other family members. The origin of the black tax is rooted in historical and systemic inequality that was prevalent at the time. 

The history of black tax can be traced back to the legacy of apartheid in South Africa, which ended in the 1990s. During the apartheid era, Black individuals and families were denied access to many economic opportunities and resources. As a result, they often relied on the support of extended family and community members to make ends meet.

When apartheid ended, many Black individuals and families gained access to new economic opportunities and were able to improve their financial situations. However, they continued to feel a sense of responsibility towards their extended family and community, and this financial obligation became known as the “black tax.”

The black tax has become a menace in Nigeria that needs to be curbed due to the increase in the rate of poverty.

However, we know that it is a thing of honour and Noble to extend hands to others, family, and the community at large,but not at the expense of your personal development and growth.

As the saying goes, “You can’t give what you don’t have”, which is why you need to show up fully for yourself to be able to show up for others.

I want you, my friends and youths, to know and learn to show up for your siblings, parents, and your community with a full cup. You could be there for them emotionally and intellectually.

I talked with fellow corps members, and they have these to say.

“I do not pick up calls from my mum or siblings anymore. I am taking care of my mental health, and I am tired of hearing stories and being guilt-tripped about how I was trained for school and all. I do know  they are my responsibility, but I need them to understand that I am trying and thinking about them” ~ Oghene Martha

“I have been paying Black tax since my undergraduate days, and I never get to try restaurants and fun places in school that require money. In school, I constantly thought of things we lacked at home that I needed to get when going back, so I used to do little business in school to stay afloat. Now that I am serving and had to go to a different state, it is challenging because I haven’t recognised any opportunity here, and the 33k barely takes me through for three weeks, but I still have to send money home. My siblings always ranting, it overwhelming actually” ~ Yusuf Nana

Both religion and education have taught us the benefits of giving, and its importance cannot be overemphasised. However, strategy and caution are needed in all aspects of life. We strain ourselves so much to our elastic limit that when things get turpsy, we are again looking for the next best target to Leach off from.

How To Deal with Black Tax?

Communicate:  Talk to your family; they will understand. Be transparent, and let them know how much you are trying and working to help yourself and for them. Tell them how much their understanding and emotional support would mean to you. Assure them that you know, see all they did for you, and appreciate them, but you need them to be patient with you.

Work with gross income, not Net income: Your gross income is what you have after settling or deducting your debts, transportation costs, and other daily costs you incur while working over the month. If you must tell your parents, siblings, and friends your salary, it should be your Gross income.

Example: My net income is 250k, and if I tell my parents that I earn that, how would they feel when I send 50k at the end of the month? The best way is this: You earn 250k, you spend 50k monthly on transportation, and airtime 5k. You are left with 195. Then, that is what you share with them. They would be happier if you sent them 30 to 45k.

Set Financial Goals: No matter how minimal your income is, you should have a savings plan; all it takes is discipline, and you will make it work. In the end, it all goes to add up.

Do not lend money to friends and family: 80% of the money you borrow from your friends and family will be very difficult to recover. Most debts end up severing ties between friends and family. Instead, you could adopt this strategy. My friend or one of my siblings asked me to lend her 20k, and I told her I did not have that money, but I could spare her 4 to 5k. I am giving you this for free, so you do not need to pay it back. This is a proven strategy that works most of the time. You protected your relationship and your money. Never give room for cash to steer problems between you and a family.

Learn to say No: This is difficult, but it is necessary. You can be in everyone’s good books. Know what you can bear, recognise your strength, and say no to everything else. Remember, you are nobody’s last hope. Eventually, they will find a way to survive with or without you.

Invest in yourself: You need money to make money, buy things, take trips, and eat good meals. If you fail, people pulling you down with expectations will be the first to criticize you. Take care of yourself. 

Be intentional about your physical, intellectual, and financial growth. Black tax is a tool for guilt trips and emotional blackmail, creating balance, and taking care of your mental health.

Until we learn to eliminate pressure, expectations, and guilt and focus on building sustainability and savings, the black tax will continue to be an endemic that will continue to affect future generations.

Together, we can break the vicious cycle of generational dependence.

Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh is a corps member in Nassarawa State and wrote via abedohfatimat@gmail.com.

By Idris Hassan

Last night, as I struggled to sleep after taking medicine for a cough, I was startled awake by the sound of gunshots in our Wadata Community in Makurdi. Sadly, these disturbances aren’t uncommon, so instead of investigating, I tried to go back to sleep despite feeling uneasy.

This morning, as I rushed to the Islamiyya where I teach, eager to start the day with my students, I came across a scene that will stay with me for a long time. There, in a pool of blood, lay the body of a young man, no older than twenty, brutally murdered. Bullets had pierced his neck, and his stomach had been cut open with an axe, exposing his intestines to the morning sun.

It was a stark reminder of the grip that cultism has on our community. Like many others, this young man had paid the ultimate price for being involved in these dangerous groups. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but imagine the pain and fear he must have felt in his last moments.

The arrival of police sirens shattered the silence, and we all quickly left the scene. It was later revealed that the victim was a known cultist, targeted and killed by rival factions. It’s a tragic cycle of violence that has taken too many young lives, leaving families devastated and dreams shattered.

It’s tempting to blame parents, society, or the government, but the reality is more complex. Cultism thrives in neglected and indifferent communities, preying on vulnerable young people. It’s a symptom of deeper problems—a lack of opportunities, guidance, and protection for our children.

As I stood before my students, unable to find the words to teach, I felt a deep sense of urgency. We can’t keep losing our young people to cultism. It’s up to all of us—parents, teachers, leaders, and policymakers—to come together and tackle this problem head-on.

May we find the wisdom and courage to act decisively, to protect our children’s future, and to heal the wounds caused by senseless violence. Only then can we restore the promise and potential lost to the darkness of cultism.

By Haroon Aremu

It was one evening when my boss simply told me, “I have an invitation from the EFCC. You and Zekeri should join me tomorrow!”

Since I was posted to this PR firm as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), my tasks included writing news and opinion articles and monitoring media coverage related to our clients and stakeholders. Despite being busy with my mobile phone, I never entertained or engaged in suspicious activities that could lead to fraudulent corrupt intents, whether online or offline.

“The invitation indicates 10 am, but we should leave the office at 9 am to arrive there on time. Have a nice day!” the boss interjected my thoughts before I could even respond.

I immediately picked up my phone and Googled terms like “EFCC,” “invitation,” “guest,” and “youth.” The search results left me apprehensive—students, top politicians, and public figures had all been guests (meaning detained) after an invitation (meaning investigation) by the EFCC operatives, primarily related to online fraud and other corrupt practices.

Despite the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption across all sectors, questions persist about the perceived preferential treatment given to political officials and government figures compared to ordinary citizens or young internet fraudsters. Citizens argue that the principle of equality before the law must be upheld, urging for a more equitable approach to justice by law enforcement agencies.

Some contend that the EFCC tarnishes people’s image and reputation. I often wonder whether suspects in EFCC custody are truly innocent of the accusations or allegations, given the damning reports and stories—such as the ongoing case involving former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

However, accountability must be a two-way street. While the EFCC bears the responsibility of upholding the law, the accused must also uphold transparency and sincerity to avoid tarnishing their image.

The mandates of the EFCC can be incredibly demanding, considering the fate of past chairmen who faced challenges and controversies both during and after their tenure. The unsteady nature of leading the agency underscores the gravity of the task at hand and the constant threat of backlash from political intrigue.

Recently, the arrest and prosecution of cross-dresser Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, alias Bobrisky, and celebrity barman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, on allegations of misusing the national currency caught public attention. Both were accused of abusing Naira notes by spraying and tampering with them during social events, contravening the Central Bank Act of 2007.

While the cases of these two influencers may impact nightlife enthusiasts, musicians, and public gatherings, they also serve as a deterrent against extravagant spending and flaunting wealth irresponsibly. Such measures, while initially restrictive, contribute to a more responsible and accountable society.

I have been closely following an ongoing investigation into a financial scandal involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. The investigation became even more interesting when the EFCC confirmed the recovery of $445,000 and N3 billion, in addition to the earlier retrieval of N30 billion. The probe, initiated after the suspension of Minister Dr. Beta Edu, has now extended to her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and Halima Shehu, the Coordinator of the National Social Insurance Programmes Agency.

There were also probes into fraudulent activities related to COVID-19 funds, World Bank loans, and the Abacha loot, among others.

However, beyond its role in tackling financial crimes, the EFCC also engages in advocacy campaigns against the scourge of corrupt practices.

Many questions consumed my thoughts on the EFCC until I fell asleep in the Corper’s Lodge close to the office. I woke up even earlier than usual, anxiously pacing around my room, hoping my boss wouldn’t ask me to accompany him again.

However, my hopes were dashed when my phone rang, and my colleague informed me that our boss was already outside waiting for me in the car.

Fearfully, as I emerged from my room, I noticed that our boss’s driver was not available to drive us. It was very unusual. My senior colleague, Mr Zekeri, instructed me to sit in the back seat while he sat in the passenger seat as the boss drove us.

As we zoomed off, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a very strange affair, especially since it was rare for my boss to drive himself.

We arrived at the EFCC gate precisely at 9:40 A.M. The security personnel were on high alert, wearing stern expressions. My boss introduced himself, explaining that we had an appointment at 10 A.M. The security guard insisted we wait until the exact time before entering, so we bided our time nearby. Minutes after 10 A.M., we were granted entry.

As we proceeded to the office, I noticed other staff members, including cleaners and gardeners, wearing friendly smiles and offering warm greetings. In fact, when I almost slipped, one senior officer quickly helped me regain my balance. This experience led me to realize that the EFCC has a diverse staff, with some appearing stern but others displaying kindness and politeness.

Once inside, our phones were immediately confiscated, and we were escorted to a secure area with heavily armed security personnel. We proceeded to the registration room to provide our details, then we were led upstairs to an office where we underwent thorough security checks before being seated. I positioned myself beside my boss, hoping his presence would offer some relief.

A female EFCC staff inquired if we needed anything, but we politely declined. She was even jovial with us. Eventually, we were informed that it was time to proceed.

We were then escorted to a larger room, more like a conference hall, where we encountered a sizable crowd.

As we entered the room, my boss was warmly received by senior officials from the anti-corruption agency’s Public Affairs Department. 

It then dawned on me that the ‘invitation’ extended to my boss was not for a suspect but as a Guest Speaker to discuss “Effective Public Relations Strategies for Law Enforcement Agencies” at the quarterly lecture organized by the Public Affairs Department of the Agency.

The lecture aligns with the dreams of Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who aims to constantly hone the public relations skills of staff.

This visit corrected the erroneous impression that visitors to the EFCC office were all financial crime suspects. It also dispels the notion that the Agency is merely a den of lions waiting to pounce on unsuspecting visitors.

Haroon Aremu is a corps member with PRNigeria Centre, Abuja, and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Witnesses recounted an incident in Maiduguri as repentant Boko Haram insurgents made an attempt to storm a police station, aiming to free their arrested comrades allegedly involved in drug offenses.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, unfolded with the assailants clad in military attire and brandishing cutlasses.

Confirming the incident, Borno State’s Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Daso, reported that officers on duty successfully repelled the attackers.

Daso explained that the breach stemmed from a joint police operation targeting illicit activities at Kasuwar Fara, where eight individuals, including alleged drug peddlers and repentant insurgents, were apprehended with illicit substances.

Following the arrests, the attackers, purportedly repentant Boko Haram members, struck the police station at Ibrahim Taiwo, but were promptly thwarted.

Subsequently, they targeted Nigeria Immigration Service and NDLEA checkpoints, setting ablaze some structures.

An ongoing investigation seeks to identify the perpetrators behind these acts.

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of chaos as the attackers forcibly entered the police station, freeing some detainees and injuring officers on duty.

Despite efforts by police operatives, reinforcements were necessary to regain control.

The incident has left residents apprehensive about Maiduguri’s safety, with some drawing parallels to past attacks.

Fanta Modu, a local resident, urged a reevaluation of the government’s approach to reintegrating repentant insurgents, questioning their true intentions.

Governor Babagana Zulum’s spokesperson, Abdulrahman Bundi, stated that official comment would follow once the government receives comprehensive information on the matter.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to improve the living and working conditions of all Nigerians of working age, saying that workers “deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare.” 

This promise was made in his maiden May Day message dedicated to workers nationwide. 

According to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu affirmed his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, citing various relief programs, including the wage award and the imminent minimum wage review. 

“The President strongly believes that the custodians of the nation’s machinery deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare, and that a laborer is deserving of not just any reward but fair and commensurate wages,” the statement read. 

President Tinubu’s remarks come amid a cost-of-living crisis believed to be a result of his administration’s economic reforms. 

Since assuming office, he has implemented policies such as the discontinuance of subsidies on petrol and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which have sparked instability in the value of the naira and heaped hardship on Nigerians. 

Despite this, President Tinubu defended his actions, saying they were necessary to prevent the country from going bankrupt and to reset the economy towards growth. 

On May Day, President Tinubu saluted Nigerian workers for their “fidelity to the peace, progress, and development of the nation evident in their tireless efforts and patriotic zeal to keep the national engine running.” 

He commended workers across all spheres, from clerical officers to teachers, doctors, and all Nigerian workers who keep the country running. 

“The President wishes Nigerian workers Happy May Day celebrations,” the statement concluded. 

Workers’ Day celebration in Nigeria has its origins in the People’s Redemption Party government in Kaduna and Kano, which adopted May 1 as a public holiday in 1980. 

The Federal Government later declared May 1 a national holiday in 1981 to celebrate International Workers’ Day.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has approved a significant salary increase for civil servants, with a raise of between 25% and 35% for those on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures. 

This was announced in a statement signed by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku. 

The affected salary structures include the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). 

This development comes after earlier increases for those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors, which included the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) for universities, as well as the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS) for polytechnics and colleges of education. 

The Health Sector also benefited from increases through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS). 

According to the statement, the increases will take effect on January 1, 2024. Additionally, the Federal Government has approved increases in pension of between 20% and 28% for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme in respect of the six consolidated salary structures, also effective from January 1, 2024. 

This move is expected to bring relief to civil servants and pensioners, who have been seeking improved remuneration for their services to the nation.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Opay, a prominent financial services provider in Nigeria, has moved to reassure its customers about the safety of their funds amidst the recent directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the creation of new accounts.

It was reported that Kuda Bank, Moniepoint, Palmpay, and Opay were halting new account openings in response to the CBN’s directive.

This suspension follows closely on the heels of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) taking action against 1,146 bank accounts involved in unauthorized forex dealings.

In a statement released on its X account on Tuesday, Opay affirmed its commitment to combatting illegal financial activities in the country.

The statement reads, “Opay remains committed to collaborating closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other regulatory bodies in the fight against money laundering, fraud, terrorism financing, and other illicit financial activities.”

“As a regulatory-compliant institution, Opay adheres to the rules set by the CBN and other regulators to uphold the integrity of the financial system.

“In line with this commitment, we have closed non-compliant accounts, implemented stringent security measures, and educated customers to help combat fraud.

“To support government efforts in cleansing the financial industry, Opay and other fintech companies have temporarily paused onboarding new customers and creating new wallets. This action underscores our dedication to fostering a secure financial environment and combating illicit activities.

“It’s important to note that existing accounts and wallets remain unaffected by the CBN’s directive. We want to assure our customers that their funds are secure, their data is protected, and this measure is temporary.

“Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, and we are committed to promoting financial inclusion and contributing to economic growth as key players in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.”

By Bala Idris

When, on 29th May 2023, against the advice of the Presidential Transition Council Inaugural Committee, you took to the podium at Eagle Square to audaciously declare an end to the corrupted fuel subsidy regime in your first speech as President of the Federal Republic, you most certainly did not envisage an instant bushfire effect – a rabid fuel scarcity which immediately ignited intense economic hardship and food crisis across the country – even before you stepped down from that platform. 

That singular phrase, “Fuel subsidy is gone!” reverberated harshly and pummeled the nation to a pulp, with prices skyrocketing and people’s modest earnings suddenly becoming unbearably meagre. This sparked an agitation for a new salary and minimum wage regime in the country.

The situation took a deeper dive when you announced the student loan scheme with all the attendant uncertainties, causing another spike in tuition fees across universities and concurrent student dropouts. Then, the Naira plummeted against the dollar, further tightening the noose of survival for everyday Nigerians. This effectively wiped out the middle class and created a situation where even basic commodities like Maggie, Oil, Toothpaste, and Garri, to mention a few, were no longer affordable to “ordinary” Nigerians, particularly Pensioners. 

All through this crisis, you have consistently demonstrated an abiding commitment to work harder to ensure that life eventually becomes easy and meaningful for Nigerians. This is in addition to obvious mitigation measures like the recent NGN200 Billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, effective monetary policies that made the Naira rebound in a record feat, and a review of the Student Loan Act with more enabling and lenient provisions, among other sustainable initiatives. 

These have demonstrated that it is clearly not in your character or policy to deliberately perpetuate hardship or deprive the labourer of their wage. 

As such, organs of government under your watch should not be used as a launchpad for inhumane onslaught by heads of agencies unilaterally degrading salaries and emoluments, particularly at a time of huge price increases in the middle of the most severe cost-of-living crisis in Nigerian history. 

Such is the situation that over 20yrs pensioners of Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASCL) in October 2023 woke up to, a shocking unilateral decision led by the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Dr Chioma Ejikeme, to decapitate their emoluments by up to 33% under a “backend computation” pretext. 

In the wake of this onslaught, many woke up to payment alerts far below the existing minimum wage, more so when their pension was already not adequate enough for the comfortable last days of a nation’s senior citizens who have spent the better part of their useful lives in the service of their fatherland! 

This is also coming at a critical time when spiralling inflation has already degraded the emolument by many percentages, shrinking it to a sub-existence level. 

Mr President, it is important to point out that this inhumane act against our nation’s senior citizens by PTAD and its E.S. was carried out without any known authorising memo from its supervising ministry and without any known audit that points to the alleged discrepancies it claimed to have covered in the so-called backend competition that equally lacked relevant stakeholders input. 

While an existing court order has urged both parties to maintain the status quo, PTAD has continuously been in contempt of this order, still insisting on paying the degraded emoluments, which have been found to be fraught with monumental errors. As a result, PTAD agreed to an out-of-court settlement, agreeing to review the backend computation again with relevant stakeholders’ input. 

However, this has proven to be an exercise in futility as it appears PTAD is only interested in stalling the court case. It has not lived up to its promise by reverting to the normal pension regime as of the last payment in March 2024. 

Meanwhile, these pensioners are languishing in abject poverty, deprivation, hunger and some terminal ailments, mostly unable to feed their families, pay the bills, purchase essential drugs or pay for school tuition fees. 

Your excellency, sir, your intervention in this matter in not only ensuring their right dues are paid to them but also enabling them to benefit from upward reviews of salaries and minimum wage will bring a relief to which the pensioners will remain eternally grateful to you. 

You may wish to recall that about six months ago, Federal pensioners under the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate(PTAD) raised concerns over your re-appointment of Dr Chioma Ejikeme as executive secretary.

The pensioners also demanded a prudent audit of PTAD’s activities under her leadership, including the recovery of 163 million naira in monthly running costs, looted pension funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC), and the recovery of 9 billion naira in assets from Bots and insurance companies.

On this basis, Mr President sir, I call on you, as a compassionate father, to order the restoration to the normalcy of ASCL Pensioners’ monthly emoluments and urgently invite the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission to advise the Federal Government accordingly on the true interpretation of the pensioner’s emoluments. 

In other words, Mr President, sir, call PTAD to order, declare an immediate probe into the situation, order a reversal of the status quo, and follow due process. Let the “poor breath!”

Bala is a concerned citizen and public affairs analyst, he writes from Abuja the Federal Capital Territory.