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Atiku gives condition to support Peter Obi in 2027

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By Francesca Hangeior

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has revealed one condition to make him support the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in 2027.

The former vice president who was speaking during a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service noted that he will support Peter Obi only if the Peoples Democratic Party decides that it is the turn of the South-East in 2027.

Atiku, the presidential flag bearer of the PDP in the 2023 general election, said he will throw his weight behind Obi if he is picked by his party.

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He added that he vied to be president last year because the race was thrown open.

“I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.

“As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.

“If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” he added.

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The PDP chieftain also said there is a possibility for the merger between the PDP and Labour Party, adding that the members of the party would decide his fate in the 2027 general elections.

He also explained that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 general elections.

Speaking about the meeting, Atiku said, “It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest.”

About the possibility of the merger, he said, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.”

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He denied that the choice of presidential candidate might frustrate the merger discussion, and said, “That’s not true. That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t be an issue.”
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In his clarification about his active part in politics, he said, “Yes, we can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place.

“It means you are not tired of politics of Nigeria? Not at all. I am still in active politics in Nigeria, at least, as long as God permits.

“My age doesn’t stop the young ones from testing their fate. Everybody, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to be anybody in the society, politically or otherwise.”

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Regarding his 2027 Presidential ambition, the former Vice President said “That would depend on the decision of my party. I can’t make any categorical statement on that. It’s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election.

“Until that time comes. Let’s just wait and see how it will turn out.

“It must not be interpreted like that. I must not be eyeing elections to have meetings with political friends and associates. Currently, we are practising democracy in this country which we fought for with our blood,” he added.

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NSITF processed 22,359 claims in 2024 ready to deliver ECS benefits

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) said it would be innovative and proactive in its process to meet the rising expectations of beneficiaries of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).

The Fund also disclosed that it processed 22,350 claims in 2024 which ensured beneficiaries of ECS received timely support.

In the same vein, the Fund expressed strong determination to surmount the dynamic socio-economic landscape and stringent regulatory frameworks that would impede on its mandate to deliver social protection services to Nigerians.

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Speaking at the opening of the Management Performance Review of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), held Wednesday, at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, the Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, disclosed that the organization has started the process of leveraging technology to facilitate its registration process with the intention of improving transparency and trust.

According to him, this has become necessary in order to forge collaborative partnerships with agencies that are able to facilitate the delivery of it’s mandate, including amplifying awareness and compliance among employers and employees to deepen adoption of the ECS..

Barrister Faleye said the review session is, therefore, an opportunity to critically assess their performance, celebrate what works, and address what does not.

He said: “As Custodians of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, our mandate is clear and it is to provide timely compensation and support to employees affected by workplace injuries, disabilities, diseases, or fatalities. This scheme is not just about financial redress, it is a lifeline that upholds dignity, fosters safer workplaces, and strengthens Nigeria’s social security architecture.”

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Buttressing the legacies of the NSITF, Faleye posited ” ln the past year, we have made significant strides: We have processed 22,350 claims in 2024, ensuring beneficiaries received timely support. We have expanded our outreach to 13 regions and created five new branches across the country brining the total numbers of branches to 62. The Fund now cover 183,528 employers and 7,616,476 employees. We have conducted 3,250 health and safety audits and 808 investigations and 2,035 awareness initiatives and 248 follow-up audits.”

According to him we have started the process of leveraging technology to facilitate our registration process thereby improving transparency and trust.

“We continue to forge collaborative partnerships with agencies that are able to facilitate the delivery of our mandate including amplifying awareness and compliance among employers and employees to deepen adoption of the Scheme.

“However, we are not blind to the hurdles: delayed employer remittances, gaps in public awareness, and systemic issues that contributes to diminished operational efficiencies. These challenges test our resolve but also sharpen our focus.

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“Let us therefore use this platform to engage in open, honest, and constructive discussions. Let us ask ourselves the tough questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. Our goal is not just to meet targets but to exceed them, ensuring that the NSITF remains a beacon of hope and support for all Nigerians.” He added

Earlier in her address, the Executive Director Operations (NSITF), Hon Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, said the MPR is a crucial exercise aimed at assessing the Fund’s performance in the 2024 financial year and setting a clear strategic course for 2025.

In her words:” This event is of utmost importance as it provides a platform for us to critically evaluate our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies that will fast-track growth and enhance service delivery. The theme for this year’s MPR, Aligning Performance Activities with the Strategic Objectives of the Fund, underscores the necessity for every Department, Region, and Branch to work in synergy towards the overarching goals of the Fund.”

To this end, she emphasized that “The past year presented its fair share of challenges, but it also provided opportunities for us to reaffirm our commitment to excellence and innovation.

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“Through the resilience and dedication of our workforce, we have made commendable strides in ensuring that the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) remains a pillar of social security and welfare for Nigerian workers.

As we engage in presentations, discussions, and deliberations over the next two days, I encourage every participant to actively contribute their insights and recommendations. Our success in the coming year will be determined by the strength of our strategies and the effectiveness of their execution.” She also observed

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EFCC alerted to switch into action immediately as Rivers people money is being loaded into aircraft

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

There’s an alert on the social media network alerting the anti-graft agency that Rivers government officials are loading an aircraft with hard currencies.

Hear him:
Information reaching us now has it that Rivers State government is loading money in hard currencies in Government Aircraft, at the International Airport, Omagwa!

*EFCC and other relevant security operatives should quickly go into action, to investigate this information!*

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Warning! EFCC does not run Tik-Tok Account- Oyewale cautions Nigerians

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The EFCC has cautioned Nigerians over a fake TikTok account declaring that it does not run any such account.

Read statement below:
The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to activities of some fraudsters who on Thursday, 27 February, 2025, organised a live session on a Tik-Tok platform using the Commission’s logo to generate traffic and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

According to the Head, Media & Publicity of EFCC, Dele Oyewale the fraudsters used six fake accounts all bearing the logo of the Commission and names of non-existent directorates.

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Among the names and logos used for the fraudulent live session are: “EFCC of Nigeria”, “EFCC Lagos”, “EFCC Delta”, “EFCC of Benin”,” EFCC of Jos,” and “EFCC Saga.”

The Commission has no Tik-Tok account and the public is advised to discountenance any such account bearing the insignia of the Commission.

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