NEWS
Gov Adeleke Deepens Partnership With Judiciary
… Clears Arrears of Retired Judges’ Salaries
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has moved for cordial relationship with the judiciary by approving payment of and cash-backing arrears of salaries owed retired judges in the state.
Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, offered details of the development on Tuesday in a statement made available to Biztellers.
He said the move was being widely applauded by the legal community, and the Gov Adeleke posited that judges serving or retired deserve maximum support and partnership of the executive arm of government.
He even expressed regrets for the neglect of such a matter of importance to the well-being of judicial officers by the previous government.
He said, “I am not just committed to clearing such inherited salary matters, I am also working to provide requisite logistic support for serving judicial officers. The judiciary must be provided with the tools for efficient justice administration and adjudication.”
The Governor who already bagged several awards as most workers and pensioners’ friendly governor reassured judicial officers that their wellbeing was uppermost in his mind, tasking the bar and the bench to remain focused and undistracted by agents of destabilisation.
While reacting to some recently sponsored social media publications insinuating a strained relationship between the present Administration in the State and the State’s Judiciary, Gov Adeleke warned those running solicited and unsolicited social media errands for the Osun Chief Judge to desist from such, drawing the attention of peddlers and sponsors of the fake news to the danger and implications of spreading fake news on the cyberspace.
In the words of the Governor, “the present Administration in Osun State has as its number one priority workers’ welfare, how much more the welfare of the judicial officers of the State whether serving or retired. Since this Administration came on board, the State Government has continued to enjoy a harmonious working relationship with the State Judiciary.
“There has never been any time our Administration has made any attempt to gag the judiciary or unduly influence any of the State’s judicial officers.
“We are clearing the inherited financial obligations owed to our judicial officers both serving and retired. What the peddlers of fake news and their sponsors intend to achieve by insinuating or feigning a strained relationship between the State Government and the State Judiciary is what we don’t know.
“Recently, we constituted statutory commissions in the State among which is the State Judicial Service Commission solely for the purpose of catering adequately for the needs of the judiciary. If there is any rot in the Osun Judiciary, it must have been there before the coming on board of the present administration and we are committed to helping to reshape our judiciary so that it would truly live up to the expectation of being the last hope of the common man.
“Our commitment is to an improved condition of service for our judicial officers so much that none of our serving judicial officers will have to work without the necessary incentives to enhance their performance and none of our retired judicial officers should live in hassle and pains” the Governor declared.”
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
READ MORE: NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Using Ingestion To Smuggle Cocaine
“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
NEWS
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.