By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has petitioned the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for the nonpayment of N-Power beneficiaries’ one-year stipends by the Nigerian government.

The N-Power beneficiaries led by Adeshina Adex have lamented that they were not paid their stipends between October 2022 and September 2023.

They noted that though the programme had been suspended by the Nigerian government, they were engaged and their services were utilized before the suspension of the programme.

The beneficiaries noted that they registered for the N-Power programme and were deployed to their places of primary assignment for a period of 12 months, from October 2022 to September 2023.

Adeyanju in the petition said, “Having fulfilled all obligations and upheld their commitments to the N-power programme and investing time and effort in good faith with the expectation of timely remuneration as agreed, our clients are yet to receive their monthly stipends from October 2022 to September 2023.

“Our clients are currently experiencing significant financial difficulty due to the non-payment of their stipends.

“As participants in the N-Power programme, they relied on the monthly stipends to provide much needed financial relief and stability.”

The lawyer stressed, “The programme was expressly designed to support individuals by offering a reliable income to ease financial burdens, foster skill development, and encourage sustainable livelihoods.”

“In light of the forgoing, we demand the immediate payment of all outstanding salaries accrued over the duration of their employment,” he added.

Adeyanju was quoted to have told SaharaReporters on the phone that the government’s failure to pay the N-Power beneficiaries’ stipends amounted to a breach of their agreement.

Rumours that former Imo Governor Senator Rochas Okorocha is dead has been dismissed by his aide, Mr. Ebere Nzeworji.

Nzeworji said Okorocha is alive and well, putting the false social media claims to rest.

According to Nzeworji, Okorocha was attending to his normal duties at his Unity House Garki Abuja office when the fake news started circulating.

He clarified that the former Governor had just returned from Owerri, Imo State where he attended the funeral ceremony of elder statesman Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and hosted Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other Reps members.

Nzeworji urged the public to disregard the “wicked lies from mischief makers” and confirmed that Okorocha is continuing his humanitarian work and private business duties without interruption.

Nzeworji reassured the public that the former Governor is “hale and hearty.”

The false report, which first emerged on Wednesday evening, November 6, alleged that Okorocha had died in a London hospital.

He said:  “Okorocha had attended the funeral of the late elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, on Friday, November 1, and subsequently hosted the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, along with other lawmakers, at his residence in Owerri.

“These activities demonstrate that Okorocha was in good health and actively engaged in public affairs.”

Nzeworji questioned the motives behind the spread of such baseless rumors, noting that “one can now begin to wonder about the intentions of those behind this fake news.”

He emphasised that Okorocha, who has served Nigeria at the state and national levels, is well-known for his positive contributions and commitment to the well-being of others.

The aide also reminded the public that Okorocha has always been a “cheerful and caring” individual who holds no ill will towards anyone.

He urged Imo people, Nigerians and the global communities to disregard the false report and reassured them that Okorocha is alive and in good health.