Breaking News
Activists Blame Nigerian govt Over Death Penalty For Terrorists And Kidnappers
Mahdi Shehu has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu of taking instructions from foreign powers, particularly the United States, over its opposition to the death penalty for terrorists and kidnappers.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Monday, Shehu said the government’s position sends a dangerous signal at a time when Nigerians are facing widespread insecurity, killings and abductions.
According to him, “When the Tinubu government openly opposes the death penalty for terrorists and kidnappers, it sends a clear message that foreign interests are in charge and dictating what Nigeria should do.”
Shehu argued that there is no reasonable justification for sparing the lives of terrorists and bandits whose activities are based on violence, fear and the killing of innocent citizens.
“Common sense will see no reason, and will not accept any argument, in favour of sparing the lives of people whose main trade is to terrorise, incapacitate and kill innocent Nigerians,” he said.
He warned Nigerian lawmakers against supporting any move to remove the death penalty for terrorism and banditry.
According to him, such decisions could eventually affect them personally.
“Lawmakers who are tempted by money or threatened into accepting this unintelligent reasoning should remember that they, their parents, relations or loved ones may one day become victims of terrorism or banditry,” Shehu said.
“And when that happens, they will watch helplessly as the perpetrators go home free.”
Shehu also described as hypocritical what he called America’s opposition to the death penalty in Nigeria.
He noted that the United States still carries out executions for serious crimes within its own borders.
“It is ironic that America is opposing the death penalty in Nigeria, while they still execute offenders for similar or even lesser offences in their own country,” he said.
He went further to allege that foreign powers want Nigeria to remain unstable for economic reasons, claiming that insecurity could make the country vulnerable to external exploitation.
“America’s wish is for terrorists and bandits to overrun and destroy Nigeria so that we become like Sudan,” Shehu alleged.
“Then they will move in to feast on our endless deposits of rare earth minerals for selfish and greedy interests. Perish their thoughts.”
Shehu ended by calling on members of the National Assembly to be vigilant and put Nigeria’s security first.
Breaking News
Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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