News

Ebonyi workers jublilate as Nwifuru clears payment of gratuities from 1996 to 2023

Published

6 months ago

May 13, 2024

Ebonyi workers jublilates as Nwifuru clears payment of gratuities from 1996 to 2023
By Francesca Hanger
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has successfully cleared the lingering gratuities of Ebonyi workers from 1996 to 2023

Disclosing this in a statement, Engr. Jude Chikadibia Okpor, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information & State Orientation stated that the last batch of retirees scheduled for payment of gratuities by the Governor Francis Nwifuru led administration have received their payment.

According to the Statement: “As at Thursday 9th May, 2024 the last batch (phase 11) which comprises of spill over retirees between 1996 to 2021 were cleared and paid with a total number of Two Hundred and fifty six retirees receiving their payment in full, bringing the total gratuity amount paid in that category to #394,907,784.91 kobo.

“Also, cleared and paid during the 7-day exercise were retirees between (2022 – 2023), with a total number of Two Hundred and and Seventy Seven (277) Retirees cleared and paid in that category, with a total Gratuity paid, amounting to #1,030,972,870.05.

“It is indisputably correct to say that the Ebonyi State Government under the pragmatic leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, GGCEHF has practically cleared ALL arrears of gratuity owed retirees from the creation of the state to 2023, with a total Gratuity sum of Five Billion, Thirty Six Million, Two Hundred and Eleven Thousand, One Hundred and Four Naira, Six Kobo (#5,036,211,140.6) paid

.to a total of Two Thousand, and Ninety Nine (2,099) Retirees. “Further breakdown of the total sum and beneficiaries revealed that Governor Nwifuru led administration in the first phase of the exercise paid a total of Three Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty Five Naira, Sixty Four Kobo (3,610,330,485.64) to One Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Six (1,566) Retirees, who patiently awaited their entitlement between (1996 – 2021).

“While a total number of Five Hundred and Thirty Three (533) Retirees were cleared and paid a total Gratuity Amount of One Billion, Four Hundred and Twenty Five Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira, Ninety Six Kobo (#1, 425,880,654.96) in the second phase.

“With this summation, it has become clearer than ever that, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, GGCEHF, the most humane and workers’, friendly Governor of Ebonyi State, does not only make promises but keeps to the last letters of his promise.”

Recall that Governor Nwifuru had before now promised Ebonyi workers that the processing of gratuity of a potential retiree would promptly commence once he/she proceeds on pre- retirement leave.

“We therefore call on Ebonyians to continue to reciprocate His Excellency’s good gestures through prayers and loyalty to his administration as his government girds loins for better gestures in favour of Ebonyi people.”

News

Legal Questions Arise Over Elon Musk’s Immigration History Amid Calls for Citizenship Revocation

Published

6 hours ago

November 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

Elon Musk, a citizen of the United States could be at risk if it is proven that he misrepresented facts during his immigration process, according to legal experts. This debate comes I the middle of calls for the revocation of his citizenship, fueled by Musk’s vocal support for Donald Trump and his controversial remarks on immigration.

Musk, originally from South Africa, moved to Canada before settling in the U.S., where he eventually became a naturalized citizen, but reports recently alleged that he may have worked in the U.S. without proper authorization in the 1990s.

According to ‘The Washington Post’, Musk was admitted to Stanford University in 1995 on a student visa but did not enroll, instead working on the startup that became Zip2. Court records and former associates cited by the “Post” suggested that he lacked proper work authorization during this period.

But Musk has debunked these claims, as he said that he was in the U.S. legally on a J-1 visa, which later transitioned to an H1-B visa. However, a 2005 email cited in a defamation case reportedly revealed Musk admitting that he applied to Stanford because he “had no legal right to stay in the country.”

Legal experts indicated that working without authorization and misrepresenting such actions during the immigration process could constitute grounds for revocation of citizenship under U.S. law.

The Legal Framework

The U.S. law permits the revocation of citizenship if it was obtained through “concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation.” Violations such as unauthorized work can be flagged during multiple stages of the immigration process, including green card and naturalization applications.

Amanda Frost, a professor of immigration law, explains that misrepresenting visa violations could lead to denaturalization. “If a person violated the terms of a visa and later failed to disclose that during the naturalization process, their citizenship could be deemed ‘illegally procured,’” she stated.

Stephen Yale-Loehr of Cornell Law School adds that while such cases are legally valid, they are rarely pursued unless the violations are deemed material.

Potential Outcomes and Implications

If evidence of wrongdoing were uncovered, Musk would not face immediate deportation but could be subjected to a lengthy legal process. Criminal penalties for making false statements during naturalization include up to five years in prison.

However, legal experts note that such cases often hinge on whether the alleged violations would have materially affected the individual’s eligibility for a green card or citizenship. Immigration attorney Greg Siskind believes it’s unlikely that Musk’s actions, if proven, would have prevented his eventual naturalization.

Political and Public Backlash

The controversy has reignited debates about immigration enforcement and denaturalization. Under the Trump administration, efforts to revoke citizenship increased significantly, with thousands of cases investigated and dozens referred for deportation.

Musk, a high-profile immigrant, has faced criticism for his frequent comments on immigration issues, with many accusing him of promoting divisive narratives. His extensive ties to government contracts and national security projects also add a layer of scrutiny to his case.

Calls for Musk to release his immigration records under the Freedom of Information Act remain unanswered. Meanwhile, legal analysts emphasize that any action against Musk would depend on clear evidence and prosecutorial discretion.

This unfolding situation underscores the complexities of immigration enforcement and the potential implications for high-profile figures.

News

Family Head Regrets Obtaining NDA Form for Late Lt General Lagbaja

Published

6 hours ago

November 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

The head of the family of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, has expressed deep regret over his decision to obtain the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) admission form for the deceased.

Pa Tajudeen, the younger brother of the late COAS’s father, revealed that if he had foreseen the tragic outcome, he would not have facilitated his nephew’s entry into the military.

He said: “Had I known that obtaining the NDA form for him would lead to this, I wouldn’t have done it.

“However, we accept it as destiny. Everyone must face death, but this loss has hit us hard. Taoreed was more than a nephew to me; I regarded him as one of my own children”.

The grieving family head recounted the late General’s contributions to their hometown of Ilobu in Osun State, highlighting projects such as a borehole in his father’s compound and other communal initiatives.

“He gave us hope and brought pride to the family. His death is a great loss, but we give thanks to God,” Pa Tajudeen added.

The late General’s death has also sparked suspicions within the family. Some relatives allege that he may have been a victim of diabolical forces linked to a land dispute in Ilobu. In 2023, tensions arose when the Nigerian Army proposed establishing a hospital in the community, reportedly leading to conflicts over land ownership.

Despite the tragic circumstances, the family expressed gratitude for Lt. General Lagbaja’s life and legacy, while grappling with the shock of his untimely demise.

News

Tinubu Leaves For Saudi Arabia Tomorrow For Arab-Islamic Summit

Published

9 hours ago

November 9, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, will be departing the country Abuja on Sunday for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, which will focus on the current situation in the Middle-East.

Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement by presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday said the Summit will commence on Monday, November 11, 2024.

“It is being held at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and follows last year’s summit in the same Saudi city.

“During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

“Nigeria will also advocate for renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region,” he said.

He noted that key officials including the minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, would accompany the President.

Other members of the entourage are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.

He noted that after the conclusion of the summit, President Tinubu would return to Abuja.

It could be recalled that Tinubu had departed Nigeria on Wednesday, October 2, for a two-week working vacation in the UK as part of his annual leave.