Federal civil servants in 12 government ministries, departments, and agencies might see their salaries between October and December 2024 delayed.

This is due to the fact that the budget for personnel costs by the agencies has been exhausted.

This was caused by the recent approval of the new minimum wage.

A notice sent to public servants working with the Voice of Nigeria disclosed the new information.

The circular issued by the Director of Finance for Director-General, Jack Odeh, on October 22, 2024, titled “Notice of Delay in October 2024 Salary,” explained that the delay was caused by the payment of the 40 per cent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance which was not initially included in the 2024 budget.

It further stated that personnel costs from the month of October to December 2024 will be augmented from the Service Wide Vote, hence a slight delay in the payment of salaries.

However, the Director of Press at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, said the issue in question had an impact on not more than 12 MDAs, though he did not provide the specific names of entities involved.

The notice read, “Consequent to the Federal Government implementation of the minimum wage in September 2024, and the non-inclusion of the 40 per cent CONPSS Peculiar Allowance in the 2024 budget, the Voice of Nigeria personnel budget has been exhausted.

“VON’s personnel cost from the month of October to December 2024 will therefore have to be augmented from the Service Wide Vote. We regret to inform the staff and management that there will be a slight delay in the payment of salaries for the period of October to December 2024.

“This is due to the ongoing process of augmentation, which requires necessary approvals from relevant authorities for VON and other ministries, departments and agencies involved. Please take note.”

Mr. Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, is scheduled to appear in court today in connection with allegations of impersonation.

The case arises from his unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video, which has raised concerns about the misuse of police symbols.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is leading the prosecution, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force. Authorities are taking this incident seriously, as it poses potential risks to public trust and safety.

As the court proceedings begin, members of the public are encouraged to stay informed about the developments in the case. The outcome will likely have implications for similar incidents and the ongoing efforts to uphold law enforcement standards in Nigeria.

Akeliciousnews

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the successful prosecution of four former governors and two former ministers over the past 12 months under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Olukoyede, represented by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, highlighted the commission’s significant achievements in asset recovery and fraud prevention.

He stated that high-profile figures charged include former governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Ishaku (Taraba) for serious allegations involving billions in state funds.

Bello faces charges related to over N190 billion, Ishaku and a former official for N27 billion, Ahmed and his former finance commissioner for mismanagement of N10 billion, and Obiano for money laundering and theft of N4 billion.

He disclosed that the EFCC has also charged former ministers Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye for misappropriating funds from the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project (N33.8 billion and $6 billion, respectively).

Hadi Sirika faces two cases, including fraud involving N5.8 billion.

He explained that the investigation continues into Betta Edu, the sacked Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, for alleged misconduct, with N30 billion recovered and 40 linked bank accounts under scrutiny.

Olukoyede emphasized that the EFCC is tackling illegal vote trading and has pursued individuals involved in vote-buying during recent elections.

The EFCC announced, “In Ola Olukoyede’s one year as EFCC Chairman, from October 18, 2023, to October 18, 2024, the Commission has charged four former governors—Yahaya Adoza Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba)—to court for alleged corruption.

“The Commission under my watch secured 3,455 convictions across all categories of financial crimes and corruption. The monetary asset recoveries have been noteworthy as well, with N248,750,049,365.52 recovered in Naira. In the same year, the EFCC recorded $105,423,190.39 in foreign currencies, demonstrating a strong focus on asset recovery.

“We have a comprehensive docket of cases that span various sectors of society, including the mining sector.

“On former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, when the investigation began, we provided updates on our progress. The Chairman mentioned monitoring over 40 accounts, which takes time to review thoroughly. These matters are ongoing.”