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Gombe Gov Pays Over N5.4 Billion Gratuity Backlog To State, LGA Retirees
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Gombe State Government has reduced the backlog of gratuities owed to local and state retirees by previous administrations.
Our correspondent reports that the debt owed retirees was reduced from N21bn to N7bn.
Disclosing this on Thursday at the presentation of N5.4bn cheques to state and local government workers, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya said the event marked his administration’s commitment towards improving the welfare of civil servants and retirees in the state.
He added that his administration recognises the contributions of the retirees to the development of the state.
Yahaya said, “On assumption of office in 2019, one of the key challenges we inherited was the backlog of N21bn in gratuity arrears owed to state and local government retirees.
“In our unwavering pursuit of justice and fairness, we made it a priority to address this issue head-on. Over the past five years, we cleared over N7bn of these backlogs, thus providing much-needed relief and dignity to our retirees who have dedicated their lives to the service of our dear state.”
While explaining how N5.4bn was distributed to both state and LG workers, Yahaya said the payment was done based on the financial strength of the 11 LGs.
“In this round of payment, we are paying the sum of NGN5,440,045,865.73 to both state and local government retirees. The State Government will settle the backlog of 2018 retirees.
“In the case of our Local Government Areas, the payment is implemented based on individual resources, with financially capable local governments able to settle more of such obligations than their less-capable counterparts.
“In this regards, Kwami, Funakaye and Nafada Local Government Areas are able to clear all their backlogs; Akko, Billiri, Dukku and Shongom are to settle the ones for 2014 and 2015 retirees; Balanga and Yamaltu Deba are to clear the backlogs of 2013 and 2014 retirees; while Kaltungo and Gombe are to clear the one for 2013 retirees only,” he noted.
Yahaya stated that “this approach would go a long way in entrenching prudence and accountability because it is only fair for each LG to bear its burden.”
While expressing optimism to cater to the needs of workers, Yahaya urged for equal commitment, saying, “However, we must also demand commensurate productivity and dedication from our civil servants. As the adage goes, ‘To whom much is given, much is also expected.’
“To this end, we introduced the biometric attendance system in our ministries, departments and agencies in order to enhance productivity and accountability in the service. This policy measure not only promotes transparency and efficiency but also fosters a culture of discipline and responsibility among civil servants, thereby ensuring that taxpayer funds are utilised judiciously for the benefit of all.”
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to allegations of forging his university degree and his NYSC discharge certificate brought against him by the federal government.
The former Minister, who was charged to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji is facing six counts of forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges further covered claims of receiving approximately N29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretenses, as well as money laundering allegations.
After his plea of not guilty on Monday, the prosecutor informed the court that he was ready to proceed to trial, with three witnesses available in the courtroom already.
Ogwu Onoja, SAN, counsel for the defendant pleaded for more time to prepare for trial and informed the court of a pending application for bail filed on 9 July. The prosecutor did not oppose to the application for bail.
In a short ruling, the trial judge granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20million with one surety who must not be below level 15 in the Federal civil service. The surety must be residing in Abuja. Other terms of bail include that Nnaji deposits his official and personal passports.
Nnaji being charged to court follows months of investigation questioning the authenticity of his documents. Both UNN and the NYSC have reportedly disowned the certificates in question.
He was arrested on June 30, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his arrival from Enugu.
The arrest was executed following a Federal High Court order issued on June 11, 2026, after he allegedly failed to honor multiple invitations for investigative interviews.
Nnaji resigned from his ministerial position on October 7, 2025, describing the move as a “principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process” amid ongoing judicial proceedings, and denying any wrongdoing. He has previously described elements of the case as politically motivated.
The defendant is the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Enugu State.
Norwegian Air Shuttle, has changed its logo to that of British Airways on Instagram after losing a bet on the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between England and Norway on Saturday.
Ahead of the high-profile match, Norwegian Air challenged British Airways to a wager that would see the losing airline replace its Instagram profile picture with the winner’s logo for 24 hours.
Hey @british_airways, do you wanna make
a bet? If Norway wins, you have to switch to our logo on Instagram on Sunday (one day). And vice versa. Deal?,” Norwegian Air posted on Instagram before the match.
British Airways wasted no time accepting the friendly offer, warning the challenger against biting off more than they could chew, writing “Don’t make bets you can’t win.”
During the match, it was the Norwegians who landed the first blow after Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring for them in 36th minute, firing home the ball over goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who was caught off his line.
It was looking like Norway would take the lead into the break until Jude Bellingham drove a pass from Anthony Gordon into the box before latching it into the net from close range to equalise for England.
Neither side was able to find the net in the second half, forcing the match into extra time when Bellingham scored within its first three minutes, which ended up being the winning goal of the match to send England into the semifinals.
Following Norway’s defeat, Norwegian Air acknowledged the result and immediately fulfilled the bet’s condition by swapping its Instagram profile picture for the logo of British Airways.
“While the tournament is over for us, this friendly bet will forever live in all our hearts. We wish England and
@british_airways all the best in the semi-final, and we sincerely hope you’ll get to bring football home!,” Norwegian Air said in response to losing the bet.
Also, British Airways thanked its Norwegian Airways counterpart for the challenge, assuring that both England and Norway would remain friends forever.
“Rivals for 90 minutes, friends forever. A little competition keeps things interesting, thanks for challenging us @flynorwegian! Well done to the England team on qualifying for the World Cup semi-finals! It’s coming home!,” the airline said.
Nevertheless, the World Cup marked a historic milestone for Norway because it’s the first time the Scandinavian nation reached the tournament’s quarter-finals.
It was a sad tale as the collapse of the Gombe State House of Assembly complex under construction has claimed one life and left seven others injured.
The incident occurred on Friday when a section of the building gave way, trapping construction workers beneath the debris before emergency responders launched a rescue operation.
Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe Operations Office, Ahmed Ummanah, confirmed the incident, stating that all the trapped workers were rescued from the rubble.
He disclosed that three of the injured victims were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe, while five others were evacuated to the Gombe State Specialist Hospital for medical treatment. He added that some of the victims sustained severe injuries.
The construction company handling the project had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as efforts to obtain its reaction were unsuccessful.
Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the cause of the building collapse, while safety experts are expected to assess the structural integrity of the project.
JUST IN: Former Minister Of Science, Nnaji Docked, Denies Certificate Forgery
Norwegian Air adorns British Airways logo for 24hrs after losing 2026 World Cup wager
One dies, seven injured as Gombe Assembly Complex under construction collapses
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