Nigeria Times

FCT Senator Addresses Criticism and Advocates for Empowerment at VOW Conference

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has shared her experiences as a woman in the National Assembly, highlighting the significant challenges she faces in advocating for progress on various issues. Despite these obstacles, Kingibe has made notable strides in her role.

Her remarks come in the wake of criticism from rural women and female farmers in the FCT, who feel neglected after supporting her during the elections. Speaking anonymously at the 8th edition of the Voice of Women (VOW) conference and awards in Abuja, one woman expressed disappointment, stating that there has been a lack of follow-up engagement, training, or empowerment initiatives for local women who campaigned for Kingibe.

The woman lamented, “Last year, during the political campaign, we mobilized our communities to support female candidates, but since then, there has been no avenue for communication, no town hall meetings, and no acknowledgment of our support.”

She further noted that local women, who were enthusiastic about voting for a woman in the FCT, feel abandoned after the elections. “We were looking for a way to engage and support those who campaigned for us, but we have received nothing in return,” she said.

In response, Kingibe expressed her frustration with misconceptions surrounding governance, emphasizing that she is the only woman elected in the FCT. “There is a misunderstanding of what governance means. For me, it’s about bringing the most benefits to the people,” she asserted.

Kingibe acknowledged that while she may not have personally reached out to every voter, her focus has been on broad initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents in the FCT. She also addressed the difficulties women face in the National Assembly, stating that she must continuously lobby ministers to secure funding for essential projects.

Despite the challenges, Kingibe remains committed to advocating for her constituents and ensuring that the voices of women in her region are heard.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has publicly apologized for an earlier statement he made about tithing, admitting it was a mistake. The influential cleric had previously claimed that any Christian who did not pay tithes would not make it to heaven, a declaration he now acknowledges is not biblically accurate.

Addressing the congregation at RCCG’s ongoing annual national youth convention, Pastor Adeboye clarified, “I made an error by saying those who don’t pay tithes won’t enter heaven. That statement is not in the Bible.” He further explained that the scripture emphasizes peace and holiness as prerequisites for seeing God, not tithing.

Adeboye’s correction marks an important moment, as he is one of Nigeria’s most prominent religious figures. He used the opportunity to stress the significance of giving and the blessings that come from it, sharing a story of a man whose commitment to giving led to significant financial success. The man, inspired by a ministry project in the U.S., promised to give more than all other contributors combined, a decision that he believed led to a business turnover of $50 million within five years.

Pastor Adeboye also encouraged his followers to be generous and energetic in their worship, drawing lessons from King David’s fervent praise of God, which helped him rise to power.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has disclosed that notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji is in a state of panic due to heightened military operations targeting terrorists in Nigeria’s North West region. During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the agency’s inaugural Annual International Lecture in Abuja, Musa attributed Turji’s distress to the recent elimination of Halilu Buzu and other high-ranking terrorist commanders.

Musa’s remarks underline the impact of the ongoing military offensive, which aims to dismantle long-established terrorist networks in the area. He noted that the recent developments have instilled fear within Turji’s faction, prompting signs of desperation from the notorious gang leader.

“The actions he is taking clearly indicate that he is panicking,” Musa stated. “He was previously bold enough to speak as if he was the sole leader, but now he realizes he is not in control. The death of Halilu Buzu, who was his mentor, has sent a strong message to him that his time may be running out.”

The CDS reiterated the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region, emphasizing that operations will continue until many of the terrorists are neutralized. He highlighted that the long-standing insecurity in the North West stems from a combination of poverty, illiteracy, and ineffective governance, which have left many youths vulnerable to recruitment by terrorist groups.

Musa also addressed Nigeria’s extensive borders with Niger and Benin Republic, noting that these porous borders allow for the movement of people and could facilitate the operations of terrorist elements. He assured that efforts are underway to secure these borders and prevent the infiltration of militants into the country.

The situation reflects the Nigerian Armed Forces’ ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and restoring stability in the region, with hopes that continued military pressure will further weaken the influence of figures like Turji and his network.

Federal public workers are voicing their frustrations following the government’s selective payment of the newly established ₦70,000 minimum wage. Many employees across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) report that they have yet to see any increase in their salaries, prompting criticism of the government for what they perceive as insensitivity amidst ongoing hardship.

The new minimum wage, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 18, 2024, came after extensive negotiations involving government representatives, labor unions, and the Organised Private Sector. However, conflicting reports from the Accountant-General’s Office and the Budget Office have created confusion regarding its implementation.

While the Accountant-General’s Office claims that the new minimum wage was applied alongside September’s salary payments, the Budget Office asserts that a flat rate of ₦40,000 was paid to all federal workers, which many affected employees deny receiving.

One frustrated worker stated, “It’s bad enough that the government removed fuel subsidy, causing unbearable suffering. Now, the minimum wage, signed into law months ago, has still not been implemented for most of us. It feels discriminatory and designed to keep us in bondage.”

Despite claims from some workers of receiving an additional ₦40,000 in their September salaries, the government clarified that this amount was a temporary measure pending the finalization of the new minimum wage template. Many employees remain skeptical, expressing their disappointment over the delay and the continuous rise in living costs, including petrol and electricity prices.

Benjamin Anthony, President of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, condemned the selective payment, highlighting that most workers have yet to see the new wage implemented. He lamented the impact of these policies on workers’ lives, noting that many children are unable to return to school due to financial constraints.

Leaders from various unions, including the National Association of Academic Technologists and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, echoed similar sentiments, describing the situation as dire and calling for immediate payment of the new wage to alleviate the burdens facing their members.

As public servants continue to grapple with rising living costs and uncertainty surrounding their salaries, the demand for transparency and equitable implementation of the minimum wage remains a pressing issue.