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FGN Cash Transfer In Ekiti: Setting The Record Straight

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This is surely a season of peace and not to fight any battle. Assumption, they say, is the least form of thinking. Calling out a government that is doing its very best in providing adequate welfare for its people in a season locked down by coronavirus, is not good political calculation at all. Rather,  it shows that the propagandists peddling such lies are mindless agonisers who love to cry wolf wherever and whenever there is none.
How on earth would an opposition that claimed to have taken care of the welfare of the people while in government, now claim to be ignorant of the process of doing so, no sooner it dropped power? It is either the PDP goons in Ekiti have very short memory or their kingpin feigned the love it claimed to have for the same people while in power between 2014 and 2018.
Well, not necessarily for those hyenas crying wolf now, but for those who may have bought into their lies are we putting the records straight:  The programme is none other than the same Federal Government Cash Transfer Programme, which actually started in year 2016 while the PDP held sway in Ekiti. It is directed at the poorest of the poor in our society with the aim of taking them away from the poverty base line. 
At the advent of JKF 2.0, His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, a welfarist par excellence, from whom the Federal Government actually got the same concept, revisited the programme by creating the Department of Social lnvestment Program to oversee the Cash Transfer and other Components. 
When COVID-19 reared its ugly head and made our people vulnerable, Mr President directed that the beneficiaries of the programme in every state of the federation, whose names had been compiled since 2016, should be paid four (4) months of the stipend (from January to April 2020).
Going by the compilation made by the PDP government in 2016, there were 4,700 of such beneficiaries on the Ekiti list. Almost half of those on the list were also being paid some extra called Top up, meaning that they were earning double of what the FG prescribed. The top up is for those who were either pregnant or with children of between 0-5 years of age. The extra amount was meant to access medical facilities.
However, Gov. Fayemi promised to increase Ekiti beneficiaries from the initial 5,000 to 16,000. If his predecessor had taken the programme serious from the beginning, the way Fayemi is doing now, the number wouldn’t have remained static at 5,000. After all, a State like Bauchi is paying 100,000 persons. And it would have been officially flagged off at inception. But because it was grudgingly accepted, sneaked in and manipulated by the PDP government, there was no flag off, and no names were added to the list. 
Despite that the initial list was generated by his predecessor, Gov. Fayemi has also refused to drop any name, party affiliation, notwithstanding. His argument is that they’re all Ekiti sons and daughters after all. Rather, he plans to increase the list from 5,000 to 16,000!
The flag-off ceremony which took place at Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, signaled the commencement of the cash transfer at designated pay points across the 16 local government in the state. Also, it came barely 24 hours after the state government commenced the distribution of food items to indigent people in the state to cushion the effect of the lockdown.
Dr Fayemi said each beneficiary would receive between N20,000 and N60,000 which is a four months’ arrears from January to April, 2020.
According to him, “This is not the first cash transfer we are doing in the State, this has been a programme that has been going on for a little while, since 2016 but this is the first major public show of the things we have been doing quietly as a state which is part of the larger National Social Investment Programme that the President Mohamadu Buhari administration started and this State has been part of it,” adding: “All these efforts of the government are geared towards making life easy for Ekiti citizens to live happily and well during this difficult time. I want to assure you that this administration is a caring government that put the people at the centre of all their plans.”
The Governor seized the opportunity to remind the benefitting households that the programme is called Household Uplifting Programme (HUP) and hence all members of the household must benefit from the cash. He advised them to make judicious use of the money during this period as government was on top of the Covid-19 situation in the state.
The cynics should recall that the programme was a component of the Social Investment Programme, a baby birthed by Governor Fayemi during his first term as Ekiti State Governor and was later adopted by the federal government. It includes Social Security Programme for the Elderly (Owo Arugbo); Conditional Cash Transfer, Government Enterprises Employment Project (GEEP) and others. It is not a one-off affair as the critics insinuated. The beneficiary households would keep receiving the money on a regular basis and government would ensure that more people benefit from the largesse.
Neither was it possible to have made the payments across the whole state in just one day as the propagandists claim. It actually started on Tuesday 7 April 2020 in Ado Ekiti where it was flagged off by the governor and it is being taken to other Local Governments from Wednesday, the following day. As at the close of work yesterday, Thursday 9 April 2020, 330 beneficiaries had been paid in Ado LGA, 138 in Efon LGA, 173 in Oye LGA, 239 in Ido/Osi LGA, while payments in Ekiti West, Ijero, Ikole and other LGAs will be completed as soon as possible.
To allege that all payments were made on the same day, and went into wrong hands, is to be thinking from the mindset of the PDP government that administered it between 2016 and 2018. This of course is uncharitable, mischievous and satanic. May the good Lord forgive the propagandists, while the good work by Dr. John Kayode Fayemi continue in Ekiti State.
Segun Dipe, Special Senior Assistant, Public Communications

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Damagun denies resignation rumors, calls it fake news

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The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagun, has dismissed reports of his resignation, labeling them as false and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

In a statement on Saturday, his Personal Assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos, clarified that Damagun remains in office, and the party’s constitution guarantees the National Chairman a four-year term.

The PDP also denied claims that Arise News was the source of the false resignation report, urging the public to ignore the misinformation.

The party warned those spreading the rumors to desist or face legal action, calling on members and stakeholders to remain united as the PDP strengthens its position ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Probing IBB over my father’s death unnecessary— Abiola’s son

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IBB

Jamiu Abiola, the son of the late winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, has stated that probing former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, over the death of his father is unnecessary.

In an interview with Punch, Jamiu explained that the time for such investigations had passed away, stating that many key figures involved in the June 12 tragedy are no longer alive.

“There is no need for prosecution or probe. So many years have passed and most of the good and bad actors in the June 12 tragedy have passed away,” Jamiu said.

He added that the ideal time for a probe would have been during the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when Nigeria’s democracy was more stable and many individuals involved were still alive and could provide accurate accounts of events.

Jamiu further stated that for those interested in knowing more, his book, ‘The President Who Never Ruled,’ offers insights into the annulment and the surrounding events.

“It (the book) will let you know exactly what happened during the annulment and why it happened,” he said.

However, he cautioned readers to approach it with the goal of understanding the truth, not seeking revenge.

Jamiu said the best way to compensate the Abiola family would be for Nigerians to embrace the values of unity and national cohesion that were exemplified on June 12, 1993.

“The best way to compensate our family is for the Abiola family to see all Nigerians adopting the attitude they adopted on the day of June 12, 1993, which in a nutshell is to reject tribalism and religious differences when electing leaders and to see themselves as members of the same family regardless of their states of origin,” he explained.

He further noted that Nigerians should focus on transforming the country from a divided nation to a unified one.

“By so doing they will be heeding the call of President Bola Tinubu to shun ethnicity and transforming Nigeria from a country to a nation.

“I will not ask for more than that because to do so would bring down the high standing of Moshood and Kudirat Abiola following their unique sacrifice. They gave up their lives and will be rewarded with more than 500 million years in a place better than any castle in this world,” he added.

While acknowledging that any worldly honours bestowed upon his late parents would be appreciated, Jamiu firmly believes that such recognition pales in comparison to the eternal reward his parents are enjoying.

“Any worldly honour given to them is definitely welcome, but believe it or not, it will be only a drop in the ocean compared to what they are enjoying right now and will continue enjoying while every single one of those who cheated and killed them burn in hell forever and ever by the special grace of God,” he stated.

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Shettima assures of FG ‘s commitment to Plateau’s stability, economic development

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Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring lasting peace, stability and economic development in Plateau State and across Nigeria.

According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the VP gave the assurance while in Jos Plateau on Saturday during his condolence visit to the National Chairman, Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir.

He stressed the administration’s determination to foster national unity and progress.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu specifically directed me to convey his heartfelt condolences and to assure the people of Plateau that this administration places high premium on the peace and economic prosperity of this strategic state. We recognise the critical role Plateau plays in our national cohesion and development agenda,” he said.

The Vice President, who was in Jos to commiserate with Sheikh Jingir over the death of his close associate, Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, commended Plateau State government’s peace-building efforts.

“We must acknowledge and applaud the tireless efforts of the state government in maintaining the peace we now enjoy in Plateau. This administration will continue to support these initiatives because without peace, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.

While offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, who served as the Deputy National Chairman of the Ulama Council of JIBWIS, the Vice President also prayed for peace, stability, cohesion and progress across the nation.

“I want to assure all Nigerians that better days lie ahead. The economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are designed with the long-term prosperity of our nation in mind. We are already seeing early positive indicators, and we ask for your continued patience and support,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their show of compassion during this difficult period.

“This visit demonstrates the human side of governance that often goes unnoticed. We are deeply touched by this gesture,” Jingir said.

“We are grateful to Allah for the good work President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are doing for Nigeria. True leadership requires commitment and patience with the people at all times, and this administration has shown both.”

The religious leader specifically praised the government’s responsiveness to infrastructure needs. “When we requested that the Jos-Saminaka-Kaduna road be fixed, you not only listened but acted swiftly. The Federal Executive Council’s approval of N33 billion for the reconstruction of that critical road is evidence of a government that cares for its citizens,” he noted.

On the administration’s economic policies, Sheikh Jingir was unequivocal in his assessment: “The economic and agricultural initiatives of this government have begun yielding tangible results. We are witnessing a gradual but steady reduction in the prices of essential commodities, particularly foodstuff. This offers hope to ordinary Nigerians and validates the direction of your policies.”

The cleric also spoke on the security situation in Plateau State, saying, “I am pleased to inform you that peace has come to stay in our beloved state. The followers of Islam, Christianity and other faiths have collectively resolved to embrace peaceful coexistence as the only path forward.”

“This unity of purpose was clearly demonstrated during the funeral of our departed brother, Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, when people from diverse religious backgrounds and all sections of the state gathered in unprecedented numbers to pay their respects. This is the Plateau we want to see and build upon.

“While we mourn our loss, we submit to the will of Allah. Death is inevitable for all mortals, and we find solace in the exemplary life our brother lived,” he said.

The Vice President was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Josephine Piyo.

His delegation included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Wase; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Aliyu Modibbo Umar.

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