NEWS
Share The Money In Excess Crude Account, Govs Tell PMB
The 36 state governors have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the sharing of the money in the Excess Crude Account among the three tiers of government in order to shore up the liquidity position of the states.
Currently, the ECA, which was set up when crude oil price was above $100 per barrel to save anything above the budget benchmark price in a special account for use in lean period, currently has a balance of $2.259bn.
The governors, under the aegis of Nigeria Governors Forum, made the request at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with the President on the current economic crisis facing the states, which has culminated in the inability of the state governments to pay workers’ salaries.
The Chairman of the forum and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, and Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, who chaired the committee that worked on a fiscal restructuring plan submitted to the President at the meeting, asked the Federal Government to do more to help the states financially.
The governors told the President that while they had resolved to take other measures to boost their states’ Internally-Generated Revenue, the implementation of the plan would help them to deal with the funding problems on short, medium and long-term bases.
They said if the plan was adopted and implemented by the Federal Government, the states would become more financially empowered to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.
In an interview with State House correspondents, Yari said it was the governors’ decision at the NGF meetings that they should meet with the President to table their demands.
He said the states were still facing financial challenges despite the fact that they had received supports from the Federal Government in terms of bailouts, debt restructuring and sharing of 15 per cent of funds in the ECA.
Describing the past supports as temporary measures, the governor said the forum presented short, medium and long-term measures to Buhari, adding that the President accepted the proposals and announced plans to set up a committee to look at the matters, starting with the short-term proposals.
The governors also asked for an 18-month moratorium on their loans.
Yari said, “For the short-term, we are looking at a situation whereby our debts that are hanging from 2005 right from Obasanjo’s exit of the Paris Club are paid. There are some money that was not paid before. If it is paid, states that are having difficulties can get money from there.
“We are also looking at loan restructuring, bailout and the ECA. We are asking for an 18-month moratorium before we can start paying, so that we will able to strategise.
“To develop the IGR is not overnight, it is a long-term programme that one has to plan for. Also, our service has exploded and there is nothing we can do about it because people are getting their daily bread from there and we cannot say we are going to cut salaries and wages.”
The NGF chairman also said some states had committed their resources to some Federal Government’s projects like roads and airports.
He said a committee set up to look into the issue had been urged to hasten the process so that requests could be presented to the President for relief.
Buhari expressed concern that two-thirds of the 36 states of the federation were still having difficulties with the payment of their workers’ salaries.
He said the situation had become an issue of great concern for him because it had persisted despite the bailout provided for the states by the Federal Government.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said he was disturbed by the hardship, which the state government workers across the country and their families were facing due to the non-payment of salaries.
To ameliorate the hardship being faced by affected workers, the President said the Federal Government would strive to make more funds available to the states.
This, he said, would be done by expediting action on refunds due to them for the maintenance of federal roads and other expenses incurred on behalf of the Federal Government.
Buhari also said he would constitute an inter-ministerial committee to study a fiscal restructuring plan for the federation, which was presented to him by the governors.
The President said the committee would review the plan to improve the finances of the state governments and make recommendations on how proposals in the plan should be dealt with by the Presidency, the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly through legislation.
He, however, urged the governors to understand that while he was ready to do all within his powers to help the states overcome their current financial challenges, the Federal Government also had funding challenges to contend with.
“You all know the problems we have found ourselves in. You have to bear with us,” he told the governors.
On the recent allegation by a former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that state governors did not support savings during the last administration, Yari said the states were only taking 26 per cent of revenues available for sharing, whereas the Federal Government was taking 52 per cent.
He wondered how states could save under such a condition.
On the proposal by labour unions for a new minimum wage of N56,000, Yari said, “Well, they are right because we agree that what they are being paid is too small.
“But they must understand the situation the country is in because where we are deriving our resources from is now lower by 60 per cent.
“So, how do we do the magic? But we are going to do our best.”
PUNCH
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to the state on Friday, landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at about 11:55 a.m. to the cheers of his supporters who trooped out to welcome him.
His return comes hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state on March 18, following a political crisis that saw Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, suspended from office.
Despite his arrival, the governor had yet to resume at the Government House office as of Friday afternoon. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened, but hundreds of Fubara’s supporters who had gathered at the Government House in anticipation of his return waited in vain.
During the emergency rule, Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state. In a farewell broadcast on Wednesday, Ibas handed over power and urged political actors in Rivers to embrace dialogue and mutual respect.
The crisis in the state began after Fubara fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over control of Rivers’ political structure. The feud split the state assembly and escalated into violent confrontations.
In June, Tinubu convened a reconciliation meeting with Fubara, Wike, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other key stakeholders.
By July, Ibas inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Michael Odey, which conducted council elections across the state on August 30.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three.
NEWS
Nigerian Born Int’l Journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, attempts to attain Interviewing Marathon of 72hours 30 Seconds
Journalists plays an essential role in promoting transparency, challenging power, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Despite increasing threats to press freedom across the world.
As the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values, Livinus Chibuike Victor, Imo State born globally acclaimed journalist, proudly announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon, with the Theme (NIGERIA OUR STRENGTH) scheduled to take place from 28th September to October 1st 2025, at Tangier Hotel, 34, Ekukinam street, Besides ABC Transport, Utako, Abuja.
The record attempt according to Victory, aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable. In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.
“Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible, “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.
The Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, celebrate press freedom, and honor the sacrifices made by journalists around the world.
Members of the public, media professionals, and civic leaders are invited to witness and support the event as it unfolds over three inspiring days at the Tangier Hotel, Ekukinam Street, Utako,.Abuja, Nigeria.
About Livinus Chibuike Victor
Livinus Chibuike Victor is a Nigerian journalist known for his fearless reporting and advocacy for Press Freedom. He has worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability in society through his work.
The immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Dr. Chris Isiguzo (MFR), has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by journalists from the South East Zone C during a special homecoming held in his honour at the NUJ Enugu Council Press Centre.
Speaking at the event, NUJ Vice President (South East), Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, said the recognition was in appreciation of Isiguzo’s remarkable leadership and contributions during his tenure as National President. He described him as “a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a leader,” noting that he positioned the South East as a strong voice within the Union.
Chairman of the occasion and SSA to the Enugu State Governor on External Media Relations, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, stressed the importance of quality leadership recruitment in a democracy, urging citizens to reject vote buying and selling. He charged the media to intensify civic education to ensure credible leadership choices.
The current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the South East leadership for honouring Isiguzo, adding that it was the first time a sitting national president would honour his predecessor. He expressed confidence in the new Enugu Council leadership under Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, urging members to give full support.
In his response, Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the Union, recounting his administration’s achievements such as member registration, creation of the NUJ website, restoration of peace in councils, improved relations with state governments, and enhanced staff welfare.
Delivering a keynote address on “Leadership Recruitment Amid Challenges of Poverty: The Role of the Media”, UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Olaiwola Usman, linked Nigeria’s poverty crisis to poor leadership choices, stressing the media’s role in promoting credible recruitment of leaders.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the NUJ South East Zonal Lifetime Achievement Award portrait to Isiguzo by Comrade Yahya, alongside tributes from NUJ and NAWOJ leaders.
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