Why Ogun State Government Must avoid its fire brigade game with pensions and return to status quo

By: Bodunrin Kayode

More details have emerged from the stable of the Voice of the Association of New Ogun Civil and Public Service Retirees (ANOCPSR).on why the state government must stand down on its desperation to implement the contributory pension scheme.

The ANOCPSR in its second release in its series this month have pointed out several gaping holes in the foundation of the transitional reliefs planned by the government to navigate retirees from the old to the controversial new pension scheme which would actually rob retires of their hard earned sweat.

They agued that the engagement the government claimed to have had with all stakeholders which resulted in a recent news release did not take into cognizance most of their fears and anxieties as retirees which is why the government must do the needful by clearing all the doubts if they indeed want to be transparent as they claim to be.

In their release made available to newsmen, the ANOCPSR said that they have carefully gone through the recent Release of the Government on its proposal to give reliefs to the 2nd July 2025 to date retirees.

The association went further to state that “Our careful comparative study of the old pension scheme – Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) with the newly introduced – Contributory Pension Scheme versus rebrand Additional Pension Benefit, (CPS-APB) still revealed a wide gap.

“Under the DBS, a retiree is entitled to 80% of his monthly gross salary as monthly pension and will be waiting for a compensatory allowance named gratuity which is 300% of his annual emolument.

“With the proposed CPS-APB, the percentage to calculate the compensatory allowance is to range between 116% and 280% of annual emolument as additional benefits. Retirees will still access just 25% of the peanut in the retirement savings account

“This is grossly inadequate for workers who have committed their youthful strength to serve the government for 35 years meritoriously. It is upon this arithmetical implications that some categories of workers were exempted from the killer scheme. Why ?

“As good as all these plans about the Contributory Pension Scheme cum the Additional Pension Benefit is; as recommended, it cannot be implemented on those who retired effective 2nd July, 2025 to date owing to some reasons:” said ANOCPSR.

Reasons why those who retired effective 2nd July 2025 will be grossly underpaid in the proposal

The association went further to reel out a litany of anomalies that already exists in the foundation of the old pension system which needs to be fixed quickly if the transition to the new one no matter how good it sounds to labour watchers will become a reality to all retirees of the Ogun state service. These errors which must be corrected include the following:

[1] Past Governors didn’t take the implementation of CPS as a serious issue and as such failed to pay the accrued rights into the workers’ retirement savings account as of January 2008 of its test-run.

[2] Monthly pension deductions from workers’ salaries and the percentage contributions from the government were not remitted consecutively as stipulated by the CPS implementation law. This actions already jeopardized using those who retired from 2nd July 2025 to date as part of the scheme.

[3] Workers are not allowed to choose Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) of their choice. This acts also betrayed the law governing the implementation of the scheme and must be corrected.

[4] Monthly pension deductions from workers’ salaries were not remitted to their retirement savings account (RSAs) for 17 years. The PFAs could not report the government to the PENCOM. There’s no evidence of payments of 2% sanctions for government’s failure to remit the deductions latest 7 days of every month after the salaries have been paid. This according to the law is a criminal act that jettisons the implementation of the CPS.

[5] This present administration also failed to remit workers’ deductions for nearly 7 years but only to commence doing so after the pronouncement that the CPS takes effect from 2nd July 2025.
All the deductions that were remitted to various RSAs after retirement have not fulfilled the intention of the establishment of the CPS.

[6] The balance in the workers’ retirement savings account are grossly inadequate to commence the CPS. It really exposed government’s weakness and nonchalant attitude to adhering strictly to extant laws governing the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme.

[7] What the State Government called Additional Pension Benefit to leverage the discrepancies between the old pension scheme – Defined Benefit Scheme and the Contributory Pension Scheme, is just a proposal. The scheme has not been submitted to the PENCOM for due consideration and approval. Such arrangement cannot be accepted from the government that has taken the CPS implementation as a child’s play from inception.

“Conclusively, it would be better that the government seeks legal advice on this controversial fire brigade implementation of the CPS so as to guard her from unwarranted embarrassment from an undiluted and uncompromised interpretation of laws associated with workers’ rights.

“We will advise the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, to consider the prayer of the affected retirees and allow status quo remains, thus ordering the commencement of monthly pension to retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme which takes cognisance of their good welfare better than the CPS-APB.

“The Governor has been so magnanimous in paying gratuities owed by the past Governors. This act is highly commendable as he upholds the principle of taking assets and liabilities. The Incoming Governor will definitely continue wherever he stops in 2027.

“The Governor should also protect his good name by shifting the proposed implementation of CPS-APB to a later year when all aspects of the Law governing the scheme would have been properly obeyed.” The association posited.

Why Ogun State Government Must avoid its fire brigade game with pensions and return to status quo

U.S. congress calls for bilateral pact, tougher measures over Christian persecution in Nigeria

By: Zagazola Makama

The United States House of Representatives has called for a new bilateral agreement with Nigeria aimed at protecting vulnerable Christian communities, strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation and addressing sectarian violence across the country.

The call followed deliberations by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on what lawmakers described as “the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”

In a joint position, U.S. lawmakers commended President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations, saying the move would help hold perpetrators accountable and compel stronger protective measures by Nigerian authorities.

According to the committees, the U.S. President urged members of Congress, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate and produce a report on violence against Nigerian Christians.

Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart reportedly hosted an investigative roundtable and led a congressional delegation to Nigeria, while House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith convened hearings to gather evidence from government and civil society witnesses.

The committees concluded that Nigeria has witnessed prolonged sectarian violence, particularly in parts of the North Central and northern states, where Christian communities have been affected by attacks from armed groups, including insurgent and militia factions.

They alleged that thousands of Christians had been killed over the past two decades, with churches, schools and farmlands destroyed, and many residents displaced. The report also raised concerns over the application of blasphemy laws in some northern states, alleging that such provisions have been used to silence dissent and target religious minorities.

While acknowledging Nigeria as a key U.S. partner in Africa, the lawmakers stressed that the Nigerian government must demonstrate stronger political will by committing financial and security resources to reduce and eliminate violence.

Recommendations

The committees proposed a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria agreement focused on: Protection of vulnerable Christian communities. Elimination of jihadist and militia violence. Expansion of economic cooperation. Countering external adversarial influence, including from China and Russia.

They recommended that Nigeria co-fund humanitarian assistance programmes, especially in the North Central, and strengthen early-warning and rapid-response security mechanisms.

The lawmakers also called for the removal of armed militias from confiscated farmlands to enable displaced communities to return home, alongside expanded security cooperation with the United States, including possible divestment from Russian military equipment in favour of U.S. platforms. Additional proposals included technical support for disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration initiatives, support for livestock reforms and ranching programmes, and enhanced recruitment and capability development within Nigeria’s security forces.

The report further urged comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation against foreign terrorist organisations operating in the region.

Other measures outlined include sanctions against individuals or groups found to participate in or tolerate religious violence, continued visa restrictions on perpetrators, and consideration of reviewing the classification of certain armed militia groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under U.S. law.

The committees also recommended stronger financial oversight, anti-money laundering measures, and disruption of terror financing networks, as well as increased oversight of U.S. assistance to Nigeria through a Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit.

Zagazola report that the proposals, if adopted, could deepen U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation but may also introduce diplomatic sensitivities, particularly regarding internal security classifications, religious legislation and trade measures.

Nigerian authorities have consistently maintained that security challenges in the country are complex, involving criminality, insurgency, communal conflicts and banditry rather than a singular religious war.

Zagazola note that sectarian and communal violence in Nigeria often involves cycles of attack and reprisal between agrarian and pastoral communities, insurgent activities in the North-East, and criminal banditry in the North-West.

As of press time, there was no official response from the Nigerian Government regarding the latest congressional recommendations.

The development, however, signals heightened U.S. legislative scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation and could shape future bilateral engagements on security and regional stability.

U.S. congress calls for bilateral pact, tougher measures over Christian persecution in Nigeria

Berom youths issue ultimatum over grazing after seven die in Barkin Ladi attack in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Berom youths in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau have issued a strong warning to government and security agencies in the state, declaring that they “cannot guarantee peace and safety on the Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on our land.”

The warning followed the killing of seven persons in Dorowa Babuje village on Feb. 22 after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits opened fire on residents at a local relaxation spot.

Security sources said troops of Sector 4 under Operation Safe Haven responded to a distress call at about 7:30 p.m., discovering seven persons dead and two others critically injured.

The corpses were evacuated to Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary, while the injured were rushed to the same facility for treatment. Troops subsequently launched aggressive patrols across Dorowa Babuje, Dong and Lugere communities to prevent further escalation and track the attackers.

However, hours after news of the killings spread, another violent episode unfolded along the Nding axis of Barkin Ladi LGA.

Security sources confirmed that youths suspected to be local indigenes mounted a road blockade and intercepted a passenger Opel Vectra conveying civilians. Four persons were reportedly selected and killed on the spot, while a fifth later died from injuries. Two of the victims were identified as Hausa indigenes of Jos North, heightening tension in parts of Jos metropolis, including Terminus and Gangare areas.

The retaliatory attack prompted swift deployments of troops in flashpoints across Barkin Ladi and adjoining districts. Joint patrols and stop-and-search operations have also been intensified along major roads. But despite the efforts by security agencies, youths barricaded road for many hourz in protest and addressed government officials who visited the area.

In a series of emotionally charged remarks, a representative of the Berom youths alleged systematic attacks by Fulani militias and accused them of manipulating narratives to justify violence.

“This is another round of terrorism and we want the security to have it on record that our lives are not to be killed by the so-called Fulani,” the youth leader said.

“These are terrorists and it must be admitted that Fulani that are killing us are terrorists.” He further alleged that herders frame incidents to justify reprisals. We are aware that they have been framing up reports that cows have been attacked, poisoned or their people have been attacked, thereby justifying these killings,” he said.

The youth leader issued a direct warning to authorities. “If Fulani are not designated as terrorists, if Fulani are not stopped from grazing on our land, nobody should come and arrest anybody,” he said.

He added: “Sir, stop this Fulani from grazing on our land. Our land is not for any grazing. Declaring that the community felt pushed to the wall, he stated: “We have been pushed to the wall… we will not take it.”

He also said: “We stand to defend our land. We stand to defend our lives and our heritage is not to be shared with the Fulani.” The youth leader further cautioned: “We cannot guarantee PEACE and SAFETY on the PLATEAU if Fulani continue grazing on our land.”If they poisoned their livestock, does that justify this act?” If they poisoned their cows, who did the poisoning? Is it our people or the Fulani?”

“We are aware that they have been framing up reports that cows have been attacked, their people have been attacked, thereby justifying these killings. Sir, you are the eye of the government here. I swear to God, we will not take it.”

“If Fulani are not designated as terrorists, if Fulani are not stopped from grazing on our land, nobody should come and arrest anybody. The terrorists are there, they are killing people. They come with their cows, graze our lands and allege that we are the ones killing their people by laying ambush to shift the blame on us and come with this terror attack on us.”

“We are not fighting with anybody; we are law-abiding citizens. We are not fighting with any Hausa or anybody, but we stand to defend our land.” We stand to defend our lives and our heritage is not to be shared with the Fulani. They own their cows, we own our land. If Fulani want to acquire land, they should follow the lawful means, not to come and hijack land by force and then use it as a base to launch attacks.”

“We have information that bandits have been brought in and are being led by YELLOW, and nobody is doing anything. There must be something done about these people that have been killed.”

As at yesterday, we got on credible authority that Fulani are saying that we have been killing their people and they brought out some list. Who killed them and at what point?” These people were killed in their homes. Let us know where Fulani have ever been killed in his homes.”

“We are aware that anytime Fulani already plan an attack on our people, they will scheme it. They will go and poison their cows and start killing their own and then shift the blame on us.”
They will go and kill people that are not in support of what they are doing and then shift the blame on us.” he said.

He also called for action against Miyetti Allah, alleging that the group was encouraging violence and spreading unverified claims. “I want to believe they are the ones encouraging these things.” You went on air and alleged that it was Berom militia, we don’t have Berom militia and no Fulani settlement has been attacked.”

“So it is us that are meant to be killed simply because they have the propaganda machine and some backing of political office holders.”
If you don’t invest in us, if you don’t invest in our wellbeing, don’t come for us for anything.” We cannot continue to be killed like this.”he declared.

Meanwhile, security sources indicated that the Dorowa Babuje killings were being investigated as a possible reprisal linked to weeks of targeted assaults on pastoralist communities in parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom Local Government Areas.

On Feb. 19, three Fulani youths, Tahiru Muhammad, Jibrin Salisu and Abdulmumin Isyak were reportedly ambushed and killed near Jong community while returning from Dorowa Babuje axis, by suspected Berom militia. One of the assailants reportedly beheaded a victim, while the others were shot dead. Empty 7.62mm Special cartridges and a motorcycle were recovered at the scene.

Less than 24 hours before the Barkin Ladi attack, armed men suspected to be Berom militia reportedly attacked herders in Jol community of Riyom, killing one Muhammed Sani while another victim, identified as Faruq Jamilu, was abducted. An unspecified number of cattle were also reportedly killed or injured during the assault.

On Feb. 11 at about 8:30 a.m., six cows belonging to Alhaji Bello Haruna and Iliya Yusuf, both of Rwam Village in Mushere District, Bokkos LGA, were reportedly poisoned at Tulus and Rwam villages. Two of the cows died instantly, while four others were slaughtered after showing signs consistent with poisoning.

In the same development, Militia suspected to be from the Birom ethnic group attacked a Fulani settlement in Tulus Village, Horop, setting ablaze two houses belonging to Kadiri Adamu and Hashimu Adamu. The Bokkos incident followed an earlier case in Riyom LGA. The Fulani community in Riyom reported that a cow belonging to Anas Likita, a resident of Luggere in Jol Ward, was attacked and seriously injured by individuals suspected to be youths from Jol community.

Abdullahi Yusuf, the Leader of the Fulani community in Riyom, while calling for calm, condemned the act. “Such incidents only increase tension and undermine ongoing efforts toward peace and stability in Riyom LGA,” the community said in a statement signed by Abdullahi Yusuf on Feb. 9.

On Feb. 2, one cow was shot dead at Weren Camp, Riyom LGA, while three others were poisoned in Kwi Village. Reports said toxic substances were concealed inside oranges and deliberately placed along grazing fields. The attack occurred in the afternoon.

Data from recent incidents indicate that both agrarian and pastoral communities have suffered casualties within weeks. While Dorowa Babuje recorded seven deaths attributed to suspected Fulani militias, preceding attacks had claimed Fulani lives in Riyom and Barkin Ladi, including killings within or near their settlements.

This pattern of attack to retaliation draw attention to a “cycle of mutual victimhood,” where each side cites prior losses to justify fresh violence against the other.

As tension lingers in Barkin Ladi and parts of Jos, stakeholders warn that inflammatory ultimatums and retaliatory actions risk widening the conflict beyond local flashpoints.

For now, security forces remain on high alert, racing to contain violence that once again threatens to engulf Plateau in another cycle of bloodshed.

Berom youths issue ultimatum over grazing after seven die in Barkin Ladi attack in Plateau