TodayPrice

Author: Chisom OZ

  • Tension in Anambra as Police moves to stop ‘sit-at-home’

    Tension in Anambra as Police moves to stop ‘sit-at-home’

    There was heightened activity in parts of Anambra State, on Monday, as the police and other security agencies stepped up efforts to dismantle the lingering Monday ‘sit-at-home’ order that has disrupted economic life in the region.

    The intensified security patrols took place mainly in Nnewi and Ihiala areas often affected by the sit-at-home directive imposed by non-state actors.

    The move by the police is aimed at reassuring residents and encouraging them to resume normal activities without fear of violence or intimidation.

    The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that a joint security operation was carried out, involving multiple agencies including the Nigerian Army (302 Artillery Regiment), Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Anambra State Vigilante Group. In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, noted that the patrols are part of a wider strategy to restore public confidence and protect lives and property.

    “The Anambra State Police Command joint security team on Monday, April 7, 2025, intensified security patrols in the state, especially in Nnewi and Ihiala environs to combat the Monday sit-at-home and encourage residents to go about their legitimate business without any fear,” Ikenga said. He added that the convoy included security and operational armoured vehicles, a visible show of force aimed at deterring potential threats and assuring residents of their safety.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the resilience of residents in Awka, Onitsha, and other parts of the state who have continued to defy the sit-at-home order and engage in normal economic activities.

    “We commend the bus drivers’ associations, market leaders, and other stakeholders for rejecting actions that undermine our national unity and disrupt daily life. Their collaboration is crucial in our ongoing efforts to restore peace and revive the local economy,” the CP said.

    The police emphasised that the renewed patrols are not only aimed at maintaining law and order but also at reviving economic activity, particularly on Mondays when businesses often shut down in fear of attacks. “The Police-led Joint Security Force remains committed to ensuring public safety, preserving law and order, and fostering economic growth across Anambra State,” the statement concluded. While tension remains in some parts of the state, Monday’s patrols mark a bold step in the authorities’ mission to reclaim public spaces and dismantle the culture of fear surrounding the weekly lockdown.

  • NSA warns against ransom payment to terrorists, kidnappers, others

    NSA warns against ransom payment to terrorists, kidnappers, others

    The National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday, warned against payment of ransom to terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals.

    He gave the warning while receiving a fresh batch of over 60 rescued victims who had been in kidnappers’ den for over a month, following intense military pressure in Kaduna.

    The victims, among whom was a deputy director in the civil service and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, all hail from Zango Kataf in Southern Kaduna.

    Speaking shortly before handing over the rescued victims, comprising 35 males and 29 females, as well as children to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, Ribadu advised Nigerians, especially families of kidnapped victims, to stop paying ransom to kidnappers.

    According to him, payment of ransom is the engine encouraging the criminals to continue in their evil deeds.

    He said: “Let me urge our people, families to stop giving ransom to these criminals. Please stop giving money to there people. The more money you give, the more you compound the problem.

    “We have never given any money to any of these people. Giving money to these evil people is counter productive. The more money you give them, the more they request for more money.”

    Attributing the rescue of the victims to the resilience of the armed forces who continue to track and pursue them across their hideouts, the NSA expressed special appreciation to the armed forces.

    Commending President Bola Tinubu for the support he had continued to give to security agencies to achieve these feats, Ribadu said: “Daily, we are getting our brothers and sisters rescued from the hands of these evil people. But releasing them is not the end of the matter. We will go after them, and they will face the consequences.”

    In his remarks, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar commended the armed forces and the security forces, under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, for their untiring efforts in tackling security challenges in the country.

    He said, “We have been working day and night, and I know the NSA does not sleep, all in a bid to ensure these security issues are resolved. I want to thank Nigerians for the trust they are showing and for providing information that is assisting these successes.

    “They should continue to have that trust in us, give us support by providing information because information is needed to overcome these evil people.”

    One of the rescued victims, Adesiyam Michael, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the security operatives.

    Lamenting that his wife was shot in his presence by the kidnappers, he said: “These boys are young, with ages ranging from 16 to 18 years.

    “They lack training, they lack education. Something has to be done to get their likes to go for training because they don’t have any experience in any other trade or skill.”

  • 2027: Tread softly, perish your presidential ambitions, APC cautions Atiku, el-Rufai

    2027: Tread softly, perish your presidential ambitions, APC cautions Atiku, el-Rufai

    Abuja—The National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Garba Muhammad, has cautioned former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and ex-governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, to tread softly ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Muhammad, who hails from Kaduna State and served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Sabon Gari federal constituency for 16 years, had in an open letter, told Atiku to “perish the thought of another presidential contest” and remain the statesman he was, noting that he had been contesting for the presidency since 1993.

    Muhammad said: “As we approach the next general elections, you are at it again. However, this time around, having sensed that your party, the PDP, may not cede the presidential ticket to you, you are now considering joining forces with some aggrieved politicians to form a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
    “For you, Alhaji Atiku, our former vice president, my free-hearted advice is, in your best interest and the interest of Nigerians, it is better you drop the idea of contesting for president in 2027, by which time you would have already turned 80 years.

    “The Wazirin Adamawa, you should rather remain the elder statesman that you currently are. Methinks you shouldn’t waste your time and resources. At least, you should take your cue from another former Vice President, Arc. Muhammad Namadi Sambo, who has been operating in the background and remains an elder statesman since he left office in 2015.”

    Muhammad said Atiku should not listen to some politicians, such as former Kaduna governor, El-rufai who “are dangling the carrot of a coalition” to him ahead of 2027.

    “In truth, even if you contest, you have nothing new to offer. Remember, you are also a proponent of subsidy removal. It is on record that, as vice president, you spearheaded the privatisation of some key national assets when you chaired the committee on privatisation during Obasanjo’s administration, while former Governor El-rufai was the Director General of the Bureau for Public Privatization, BPP.”

    To el-rufai, the APC chieftain, who is also the chairman of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Governing Board, he urged the former Kaduna State governor to reconcile with the APC since he was a founding member of the party who toiled to see its success.

    The former lawmaker said: “It is on record that you were part of the founding members of the APC. Having worked for the party tirelessly and served as governor under its platform for eight years, it is rather worrisome that you decided to leave APC at this critical point.

    “While still serving as governor in 2022, during one of your media chats, you averred that “the moment I leave APC, then I have quit politics altogether.” At this critical point, you should ponder and reconcile with the APC or quit politics altogether.

    “The world knows that it was you who announced that you were not interested in any position in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. Why should you turn to a critic overnight just because you perceived things were not going your way when you had unfettered access to the leadership of the party and the president?”
    “As someone who was once close to you, I want to advise you to refrain from using emotions, sentiments and unsubstantiated claims/allegations in politics.

    “I would like to tell you for free that no PDP governor will join the SDP because their party already has a structure on ground. Who will leave certainty to uncertainty? You may end up committing a serious political miscalculation.

    “Frankly speaking, I think you should reflect deeply. One would expect that as a leading figure who supported the presidency to go to the South in 2023, you would support the zone to finish its eight years before canvassing for the rotation of the position to the north.”

    He said both Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Governor Uba Sani had been working assiduously and harmoniously for the benefit of Kaduna State.

    “Governor Uba Sani’s leadership style also attracted the likes of former governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero; Senator Danjuma Laah; Senator Caleb Zegi; former PDP national organising secretary, Abubakar Mustapha; Amb. Sule Buba; Prof. Dogara Mato; member representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba federal constituency, Amos Magaji Gwamna, and the member for Igabi federal constituency, Hussaini Jalo, among others.

    “We enjoy relative peace in Kaduna State today due to the kind of inclusive leadership of Governor Uba Sani, especially the rural areas,’’ he added

    He stated further that the North West had never had it this good under any administration, saying “currently in the North-West, we have speaker of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State and the Deputy President of the Senate from Kano State.

    ‘’It has never happened in the history of Nigeria where two presiding officers of the National Assembly came from the same zone. We also have the national chairman of our great party from Kano State.

    “Additionally, the North West also got 12 ministerial appointments, some of whom are manning critical ministries, such as the two ministers of defence; budget and national planning; environment; two ministers of housing; culture and creative economy; ministers of state for FCT, education and works etcetera.

    ‘’The zone also has the two service chiefs – the chief of defence staff from Kaduna State, and the chief of air staff from Kano State.’’

  • Ibas appoints administrators for 23 Rivers LGs, amid legal, political tensions

    Ibas appoints administrators for 23 Rivers LGs, amid legal, political tensions

    The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, alongside the reconstitution of previously suspended boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals.

    The appointments take effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.

    The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.

    This development comes amid mounting legal and political tensions in the state, with a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt having earlier barred Ibas from making such appointments.

    Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed issued an interim injunction in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu. The order restrains the Sole Administrator and his agents from appointing sole administrators—under any designation—to oversee the LGAs. The court granted the motion ex parte filed on March 28, and has fixed April 14 for a substantive hearing.

    The appointments are the latest twist in a protracted political power tussle in Rivers State, which has intensified since the expiration of the tenure of local council chairmen originally elected under former Governor Nyesom Wike. Though their terms ended in June 2023, the chairmen secured what they described as a term extension from 27 defected lawmakers loyal to Wike.

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who succeeded Wike, had dissolved the councils and appointed caretaker chairmen, triggering a fierce contest for control of the local government structures—widely regarded as critical to grassroots political dominance.

    The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) went on to conduct local government elections on October 5, 2024. However, the Wike-aligned faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Tony Okocha, challenged the process in court. Despite the litigation, the elections proceeded.

    Following a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which sided with the Wike-backed APC, Governor Fubara nullified the results and directed heads of local council administrations to assume control until fresh elections are held. This move further escalated the crisis, prompting legal threats and political backlash from the Wike camp.

    Amid the chaos, Fubara’s supporters have accused Ibas of attempting to sidestep constitutional provisions by appointing administrators to the LGAs without lawful backing—an action now under judicial scrutiny.

    The unfolding crisis continues despite the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, aimed at restoring order. With the court hearing scheduled for next week and political factions refusing to back down, the Rivers political drama appears far from over.

  • Plateau Killings: IGP deploys counter-terrorism squad to troubled communities

    Plateau Killings: IGP deploys counter-terrorism squad to troubled communities

    ABUJA — In response to the renewed wave of deadly attacks in Plateau State since March 28, 2025, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of counter-terrorism units, tactical squads, and advanced surveillance resources to affected communities.

    In a statement released on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the police chief described the move as part of an urgent effort to curb the violence and restore peace to the region.

    “This decisive action underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to restore peace, ensure the safety and security of all residents, and bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice,” the statement said.

    The IGP has assigned the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to coordinate the response. DIG Yakubu arrived in Plateau on Tuesday, April 8, where he met with the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, to assess the situation and extend the IGP’s condolences to affected communities.

    The deployment includes: Highly trained tactical personnel, Drones for aerial surveillance, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), Units of the Police Mobile Force, Helicopters and Specialized platoons from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

    These assets will be strategically deployed for special operations, particularly in Bokkos Local Government Area and neighboring communities, which have suffered repeated attacks.

    The violence, which began with a brutal assault in Bokkos on March 28, has escalated into a series of attacks that have left dozens dead and many others injured. Communities remain in fear, and the toll continues to rise.

    DIG Yakubu, during his visit, discussed long-term solutions with the state government and community leaders, focusing on addressing the root causes of the violence and preventing further bloodshed.

    The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Plateau State Government, local communities, and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace in the state.

    Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts by providing credible information to assist ongoing investigations.

    “The Nigeria Police Force will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property. We are committed to restoring normalcy and justice in Plateau State,” the IGP assured.

  • U.S. orders Biden-era migrants to leave country following policy reversal

    U.S. orders Biden-era migrants to leave country following policy reversal

    WASHINGTON — Migrants who entered the United States under former President Joe Biden’s CBP One app policy have been ordered to self-deport “immediately,” U.S. media reported on Tuesday.

    A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed to AFP that “formal termination notices” had been issued to certain individuals deemed to be “illegal aliens,” but did not clarify the criteria used for selecting those affected.

    “Formal termination notices have been issued, and affected aliens are urged to voluntarily self-deport using the CBP Home App,” the DHS official stated. “Those who refuse will be found, removed, and permanently barred from reentry.”

    The CBP One app, introduced in January 2023 under the Biden administration, allowed migrants to schedule appointments at designated southwestern ports of entry. It formed a key part of a broader humanitarian parole strategy aimed at managing migration in a more orderly manner.

    According to National Public Radio, the recent orders could impact more than 930,000 migrants who entered the U.S. under this program.

    President Donald Trump, who returned to office earlier this year, canceled further use of the CBP One app on his first day back in the White House. This move effectively shut down access to a platform that enabled migrants in Mexico to legally request appointments to seek temporary residency at U.S. border crossings.

    Trump, who campaigned heavily on a platform of strict immigration enforcement, has pledged to deport “millions” of undocumented migrants. He has drawn criticism for inflammatory rhetoric on the campaign trail, where he referred to some migrants as “animals” and “monsters,” accusing them of contributing to violent crime.

    “Canceling these paroles is a promise kept to the American people to secure our borders and protect national security,” the DHS spokesperson said.

    The termination notices were reportedly sent via email, citing the department’s discretionary authority under U.S. immigration law to revoke parole status.

    This move follows a broader crackdown by the Trump administration. Just last month, the administration rescinded the legal status of 532,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, giving them only weeks to leave the country.  AFP

  • Muftwang: Plateau killings are sponsored, bandits have taken over 64 communities

    Muftwang: Plateau killings are sponsored, bandits have taken over 64 communities

    Jos, Nigeria — Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang has described the recent wave of violence across the state as a “sponsored genocide” aimed at wiping out entire communities, alleging that armed bandits have seized control of at least 64 villages.

    Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme on Tuesday, Governor Muftwang expressed deep concern over the sustained attacks that have claimed over 50 lives and displaced thousands in the Bokkos Local Government Area and beyond.

    “I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” the governor said. “The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.”

    He emphasized the need for cohesive action among security agencies to identify and dismantle the networks behind the violence. “This is being sponsored from somewhere, and I am sure that in the coming days, the security agencies will work together — not at cross purposes but in unison — to be able to bring out the requisite intelligence that will help us to put this matter behind us,” he added.

    The Plateau governor’s remarks come amid a renewed surge of deadly attacks in Plateau State, particularly in Bokkos LGA, where several communities have been razed in what locals and authorities are calling targeted assaults.

    Governor Muftwang also disclosed that armed groups have forcibly taken over and renamed dozens of communities, with residents displaced and unable to return to their ancestral lands.

    “As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over by bandits on the Plateau between Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas,” he said. “They have been taken over, renamed, and people are living there conveniently on lands they pushed people away to occupy.”

    Plateau State, in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has long suffered from ethno-religious and resource-based conflicts, often between farming communities and herders. However, Muftwang insisted that the scale and coordination of the recent attacks point to more sinister motives.

    “These are not random acts. This is a pattern — systematic and organized,” he said.

    The governor’s alarming revelations have intensified calls for urgent federal intervention, including a robust security response to reclaim the occupied territories and protect vulnerable communities.

    While the Federal Government has yet to formally respond to the governor’s allegations, pressure is mounting on security agencies to not only stop the attacks but also identify and prosecute the masterminds behind them.

  • Ezenwafo emerges Anambra PDP governorship flag bearer

    Ezenwafo emerges Anambra PDP governorship flag bearer

    Chief Jude Ezenwafo, an Abuja-based real estate developer, has emerged as the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra state governorship election.

    Leader of the PDP national committee mandated to conduct the party’s governorship primary, Col. Chijioke Onwubuya (rtd), declared Ezenwafor winner in the governorship primary election held on Tuesday at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka.

    Ezenwafor contested for the PDP governorship ticket unopposed, as he was the only aspirant who purchased the party’s nomination form for the governorship primary election.

    A total of 853 delegates were 839 elected from the 21 local government chapters of the party in the state and 14 national delegates were accredited to participate in the election.

    Though Ezenwafor was the lone contestant, each delegate was issued a ballot paper to write the name of the candidate they voted for. The delegates cast their votes for local government, while the national delegates were the first to cast their ballots.

  • NCC moves to safeguard consumers’ airtime with new guidelines on unclaimed recharges

    NCC moves to safeguard consumers’ airtime with new guidelines on unclaimed recharges

    In a significant step to enhance consumer protection in Nigeria’s telecom sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced new guidelines to address the growing issue of unutilized and unclaimed airtime and data on inactive subscriber lines.

    Speaking at an industry-wide consultative forum in Abuja, which was attended both physically and virtually by major telecom operators, consumer rights groups, and other stakeholders, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers without stifling industry innovation or sustainability.

    Represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Ms. Rimini Makama, Dr. Maida emphasized:

    “As we evolve, we must ensure consumers are not left behind. Our goal is to create a regulatory framework that balances consumer rights with operational practicality.”

    The forum focused on reviewing and refining the Draft Guidance on Unutilized and Unclaimed Recharges, which builds on the recently introduced Quality of Service Business Rules 2024. Under these rules, prepaid lines with no revenue-generating activity for six months are deactivated and may be recycled after an additional six months of inactivity.

    However, the new draft guidance provides a safety net: subscribers will have up to 12 months after deactivation to reclaim any unused airtime or data, provided they can verify ownership of the line.

    Key Provisions of the Draft Guidance: A 12-month window for subscribers to reclaim unused airtime or data after line deactivation.

    A ban on monetizing unclaimed balances—recovered airtime must be used for voice, data, or value-added services only.

    Mandatory consumer education campaigns to inform subscribers of their rights and recovery options.

    A 90-day compliance deadline for operators, with enforcement mechanisms, including regulatory audits.

    Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal & Regulatory Services at the NCC, emphasized that the guidelines reflect international best practices.

    “We are aligning with global standards, focusing on transparency and practical solutions rather than cash refunds,” she stated.

    The NCC reiterated that airtime is a consumable service, not a monetary asset, and that this initiative aims to preserve consumer rights while maintaining fairness and competitiveness in the telecom industry.

    With these new guidelines, the NCC continues to lead in building a telecom ecosystem that prioritizes consumer interests while fostering innovation and operational efficiency.

  • We are not ingrates, don’t treat us as beggars, Lagos pensioners reply LASPEC

    We are not ingrates, don’t treat us as beggars, Lagos pensioners reply LASPEC

    Lagos – The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos Council, has expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in implementing the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, and they are demanding immediate action to address outstanding arrears. Mr. Caleb Olarewaju, a retired principal of Oriwu College, Ikorodu, and Chairman of the NUP Teachers’ Pensioners’ Branch, stated that the establishment of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) should prioritize the welfare of pensioners, particularly the timely payment of pensions.

    The pensioners were reacting to comments made by LASPEC’s Director-General, Babalola Obilana, who recently stated that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had approved a pension review and payment increment for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme of Lagos State Public Service, effective January 2025, and that LASPEC’s doors were open for engagement.

    Reacting to LASPEC’s statement on Tuesday in Lagos, Mr. Olarewaju said: “Despite the Minimum Wage Act being promulgated on April 1, 2019, LASPEC did not implement it until early 2024. As of now, pensioners have only received payments for January, February, and March 2024, covering the 58th, 59th, and 60th months, respectively, within the five-year period from April 2019 to March 2024. This has created a backlog of unpaid benefits for the preceding 57 months, raising concerns among elderly residents who rely on these funds.”

    Prince Tayo Adegoke, NUP State PRO, added: “If the Governor truly operates an open-door policy, as proclaimed by DG Mr. Obilana, then some people are intentionally blocking us from seeing him,” referencing their failed attempts to present a gift to Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2022.

    “We are not ingrates. We appreciate our Governor for the constant payment of our monthly pensions. He is our son and brother,” the pensioner continued. “But we request our constitutional rights; we should not be treated as second-class citizens. Our consequential adjustment should be implemented alongside those of the working staff.”

    The pensioners also criticized the recent six-month verification exercise, noting that if a pensioner fails to appear, their payments are halted for another six months. “This can be seen as a wicked act to frustrate senior citizens, which could send them to an early grave,” they said. They called for LASPEC to revert to the previous verification system, which allowed for immediate reinstatement of payments upon a pensioner’s return to the office.

    “Those at the helm of affairs should stop dribbling us and never treat us like beggars again,” they urged. “The current system is not palatable for elderly senior citizens. If a pensioner fails to appear during the exercise, their payment is stopped until the next six-month verification period. We request that LASPEC return to the old system, where pensioners who failed to appear during a verification exercise were captured and had their payments reinstated immediately once they reported to the office.”

    LASPEC’s Director-General, Babalola Obilana, responded: “The Lagos State Government acknowledges the concerns raised by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) and reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of pensioners as a top priority. This commitment is evident in the numerous social welfare programs designed to support retired civil servants and senior citizens in the state.”

    He added: “Regarding the alleged lack of engagement, the government, through LASPEC, has consistently maintained open communication with pensioners and their representatives. LASPEC remains available to address grievances and provide clarifications as necessary. If there had been any missed communications, the government is willing to reinforce appropriate channels for dialogue.”

    In response to the Federal Government’s 2024 circular on the “Consequential Adjustment in Pension Arising from the Implementation of the National Minimum Wage,” Obilana stated that the Lagos State Government approved a pension increment of 28% for pensioners on Grade Level 17 and 20% for all others. This increase was implemented in March 2025, even before the official circular was released on April 3, 2025.

    Additionally, the government had awarded a ₦25,000 wage supplement to all pensioners from December 2023 to February 2024. Obilana also addressed the claim that government officials had been blocking access to the governor, calling it unfounded. “The governor operates an open-door policy and remains accessible to stakeholders, including pensioners,” he concluded.