Nigeria Seeks Global Partnership on Mining to Boost Economy

The management of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, has rusticated 25 students and indefinitely suspended 58 others…

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, has called for a state of emergency on social welfare in the country. Ndukuba, who made the call on Thursday, while inaugurating a standing committee meeting of the church, urged the National Assembly to criminalise delay in pension payment. The cleric said that
Anglican primate calls for state of emergency on social welfare

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, has called for a state of emergency on social welfare in the country.

Ndukuba, who made the call on Thursday, while inaugurating a standing committee meeting of the church, urged the National Assembly to criminalise delay in pension payment.

The cleric said that there was an urgent need for special programmes for the most vulnerable segments of the society, particularly, the unemployed and the aged.

He lamented the continuous verification of pensioners and the non observance of the provision of the Constitution that mandated review of pension, every five years, lauding President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerian workers on the signing into law of the N70,000 new minimum wage.

Ndukuba, however, called on the government to extend the scheme to cover pensioners, many of whom are living on starvation wages.

“We urge the National Assembly to criminalise the non-payment of pensions to entitled persons as and when due.

“Attention should also be paid to the most vulnerable segments of the society, particularly, the unemployed, the aged, young unemployed, or skilled male and female adults.

“The latter is the engine room of every society. There is therefore, an urgent need for an articulation of appropriate policy and programmes to cater for this often-forgotten segment of the population or imperil the future of the country.

“When you see the numbers on our streets, you will agree that the need is urgent. A declaration of emergency in social welfare in Nigeria may not be out of place,” he said.

Anglican primate calls for state of emergency on social welfare

Onitsha community has risen over the recent murder of their son, member representing Onitsha North 1 state constituency, Hon Justice Azuka, demanding extensive investigation by the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun. Rising from a meeting on Thursday, presided over by the traditional ruler of the community, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the community expressed
Slain lawmaker: Onitsha indigenes ask IGP to take over matter, cite lack of trust in Anambra command

Onitsha community has risen over the recent murder of their son, member representing Onitsha North 1 state constituency, Hon Justice Azuka, demanding extensive investigation by the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun.

Rising from a meeting on Thursday, presided over by the traditional ruler of the community, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the community expressed lack of trust in the Anambra State police command, citing inconsistencies in their account of the murder of the lawmaker, including the recent escape of two suspects alleged to be involved in the killing.

In a press statement released after the meeting, the community said: “The Onitsha indigenous community is outraged over the tragic murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1 at the Anambra State House of Assembly.

“We are demanding transparency, accountability, and swift justice. The community has raised several critical questions about the investigation and the actions of the authorities, including the timeline of Hon. Azuka’s death, the routine freezing of bank accounts of kidnap victims, and the circumstances surrounding the escape of the suspects.

“In light of the unsatisfactory handling of this high-profile case, the Onitsha community is calling on the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the investigation from the State Command.

“We are also urging the government of Anambra State to restore confidence in its security strategy and ensure that justice is served speedily.

“Additionally, the community is reviewing its security system for greater effectiveness in collaboration with the security agencies and the state government.”

The community raised critical questions about why it took 40 whole days from 24 December when Azuka was kidnapped to 6 February when his decomposing corpse was discovered for police to act and arrest suspects.

They also raised concerns about the inconsistencies in police report and that of the Anambra State Governor.

While police had said the kidnappers of the lawmaker withdrew N100million from his account, the state government said it wasn’t true, as it had frozen his account immediately after his kidnap.

The community said the last straw that broke the carmel’s back was the escape of two suspects involved in the murder.

They called on the IGP to quickly take over the matter and ensure thorough investigation.

Slain lawmaker: Onitsha indigenes ask IGP to take over matter, cite lack of trust in Anambra command