Saviola, YVGGI seeks end to pensions for ex-governors and their deputies across Nigeria

...commends Imo state government for abolishing pensions for ex-governors, speakers

Youth Vanguard for Good Governance International (YVGGI) has called on the Houses of Assembly across Nigeria where former governors and their deputies as well as Speakers and their deputies receive hundreds of millions annually as pensions to abolish the law.

The eminent youth group made the call through its President, Ambassador Saviola Godwyn in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday.

The youth leader emphasised that four to eight service years as governor is unworthy of life pension, especially considering what the governors acquired while in office through their influence, as well as their new retirement benefit as political officeholders.

“In fact, giving them jumbo pension amounts to mismanagement of resources that could be used productively for infrastructure development in the affected states.

“Moreover, majority of them are already billionaires and millionaires.

“But since they were unable to be considerate with the level of poverty and lack of social amenities in those states, it is advisable for the Houses of Assembly in all the concerned states to abolish the jumbo pension laws for ex-governors and their deputies. They should work towards implementation of the new minimum wage instead,” the group stated.

Former governors are drawing billions as retirement allowances from state governments while pension arrears of retired workers have continued to accumulate.

"Investigations in various states showed that while the former governors and their deputy governors, and some states speakers and their deputies are receiving billions of Naira yearly as allowances, retirees are being owed arrears for several months or years.

Findings showed that the bogus pension packages of the former governors are contrary to what is approved by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

Charged with the responsibility of approving salaries of political functionaries in the country, the commission approved payment of 300 per cent basic salary as severance allowances for political office holders at the end of their tenure."

YVGGI commended the Imo House of Assembly for passing the law to end pensions for ex-governors and their deputies as well as ex-speakers and their deputies. Terming it a "right step in the right direction".

The group gave kudos to the Imo state governor Sen. Hope Uzodinma who has signed the bill into law as it will save the state hundreds of millions of Naira annually as such funds are needed to build infrastructure, human capacity development among other people-oriented projects. They also admonished the governor to put state funds to good use and checkmate the high level of looting of state resources.

Also recall that last year, Zamfara state passed similar law to an pension for ex-governors and their deputies.

#SGNews #TheVoiceOfReason

Imo assembly passes law which stops former governors and speakers from receiving pension and other entitlements

Imo state House of assembly on Thursday May 21, repealed the 2007 pension act which effectively stripped ex- governors, their deputies and ex- speakers of their pensions and other entitlements.

Some lawmakers who spoke in support of the executive bill titled “A bill for a law to repeal the Imo State governors and Speakers Pension and privileges law No 5 of 2007 (as amended)”, agreed that it was necessary to do away with pensions of ex-governors and speakers, to make funds available for other developmental projects in the state.

The speaker of the house of assembly Chiji Collins who also shared his view about the bill, said that though they are the first victims of the law, the sacrifice is necessary for the development of the state.

The Sun reported that that the bill was promptly passed into law after the lawmakers debated on it, and now awaits the consent of the governor.

#TheVoiceOfReason #SGNews

What a tragic day for me��! I still can't believe my eyes. Few moments ago, I was smiling and having you in my hand. And now you're gone,��. Oh what a life!

My heart is heavy. What a big loss when I saw you hit the ground. ���RIP My last bottle of Legend Stout ���.

#TheVoiceOfReason #SaviolaCares

#OkpataOzuOha #StaySafe

The Uzodinma/APC-led government in Imo state went ahead to suspend Barr. Mrs. Vivian Ottih, a nursing mother for showing "lack of remorse" as regards taking to her Facebook page to complain about the four months salaries she's being owed.

Instead of the Uzodinma-government to show remorse for owing workers four months salaries and still counting, they need workers to die in silence and not cry out as they suffer untold hardship induced by Hope's government of shared poverty.

So according to his iClowns, it's morally right for Uzodinma to owe workers four months salaries and counting that they laboured for but immoral for the owed workers to speak up and cry out abi. They prefer these workers die in silence. Even a woman who just gave birth and needs money ASAP.

When they speak up, they get suspended/expelled instead of being paid their salaries and wages.

It's hopeless to have these set of incompetent and callous e-mosquitoes advising the seemingly hapless Uzodinma. Next level of cluelessness this is.

Imo can only be hopeless with the way things are going gestapo style.

#UzodinmaFaceGovernance

#TheVoiceOfReason

Guidelines to live right, happy and fruitful!

* To be rich --- Give

* To succeed --- Serve diligently

* To laugh --- Make someone laugh

* To prosper --- Be honest

* To excel --- Be faithful

* To go far --- Get up early

* To change someone --- Change yourself

* To be great --- Be disciplined

* To be strong --- Pray often

* To do a lot --- Speak little

* To be fruitful --- Praise God

* To live well --- Forgive

*-To talk well --- Bind anger

* To sleep well --- Work hard

* To be loved --- Give Love

* To be a good husband --- Listen to her

* To be a good wife --- Submit yourself

* To be respected --- Be polite

* To bind Satan --- Sanctify yourself

* To grow in faith --- Meditate on the word
of God always

None of these has ever failed! Give it a try and see for yourself.

Have fruitful days ahead.

#TheVoiceOfReason #SaviolaCares

#OkpataOzuOha[color=#000099][/color]

Shamelessly and sycophantically he has "Chiji 4 Hope" emblazoned on his fez cap.

It's is crystal clear that Chiji Collins (APC) that is the dishonourable Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly is not just grossly incompetent and unfit to hold that office, he is a sycophant and hypocrite of the worst order.

He continues to show that he does not represent the interest of his constituents and Ndi Imo at large. He portrays how much of an ass licker, jester and rubber stamp Speaker for the CEO of the state and his cohorts he is. This one is just a boy-boy for the governor.

Imo state in the last ten years have produced the worst Speakers in Nigeria but obviously Chiji Collins is fast becoming the worst of them all. He is worse than Ben Uwajumogu and Acho Ihim combined already.

#TheVoiceOfReason

The member representing Ikeduru State Constituency in the Imo House of Assembly who also os the majority leader, Comedian Uche Ogbuagu (APC) shares loaves of bread (N50 each) to his constituents to help them curb the hardship and hunger caused by #CoronaVirus.

Social distancing as you can see was not observed while the sharing of bread lasted.

#TheVoiceOfReason

Breaking Gist: Uzodinma attacked, stoned, booed at Ohaji Egbema by angry Imolites

...escapes lynching by angry youths

Sen. Hope Uzodinma, reportedly escaped lynching moments ago at Ohaji Egbema.

Some people from Mmahu community upon sighting the governor’s convoy started shouting “Onye Oshi Vote, Onye Oshi Vote”, and allegedly threw objects reported to be bottles, stones, etc, on the "bullet proof SUV" of the Uzodinma.

Uzodinma was however not allowed to come down from the car as security operatives whisked him away immediately.

On my way to work this Tuesday morning...

...I am presently watching a live boxing match between a Lagos danfo driver and a LASTMA officer as at 7:30am.

We are live at Ketu now as we watch the comical yet not so funny boxing bout. Second half of the game just commenced, meanwhile the first half ended 3:0 in a favour of the LASTMA officer who is in an early lead and hell bent on beating the driver to a pulp after beating the lekpa driver into a bloody state.

I had to get down from the vehicle and ended the one-sided bout before an avoidable tragic incident will occur and go viral. It's disheartening witnessing scenes like this.

Where are Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury when you need them?

Breaking Gist: Supreme Court sacks Bayelsa Governor-Elect, Lyon

The Supreme Court has sacked the governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon, and his Deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Ejembi Ekwo, the court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Mr Lyon.

The Apex Court also ordered a fresh certificate be issued to the governorship candidate with the highest votes cast and wide geographical spread in the governorship election held on November 16, 2020.

Mr Lyon was sacked for presenting a running mate with a fake certificate in the said election.

With this judgment just delivered, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diri Duoye with the highest lawful votes and with wide geographical spread will eventually become the next governor of Bayelsa.

#SGNews

[b][/b]
Saviola Godwyn

It was a black Thursday this morning as residents of Agbala community in Owerri North LGA of Imo state witnessed a tanker loaded with diesel fall at the popular Agbala junction on the ever busy Owerri/Aba road, it burst into fire that was fatal as the driver of the heavy duty vehicle roasted to death while he struggled to escape. Two other people were critically injured and rushed to a hospital.

Officers of the Imo State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Empire Energy Fire Service Department were on ground as they doggedly fought the raging fire and arrested the situation before it could cause more damage.

The Director-General of the Imo State Fire Service, Mr. Japhet P.C. Okereafor who spoke to #SGNews, said that "I was driving to Owerri Municipal from Ulakwo this morning when I ran into the accident scene, I immediately called m office, the FFS, Empire Energy Fire Service department and others for help and within minutes officers of the Imo State Fire Service the first responders and were on ground to fight the fire with the FFS and ENFSD following suit in that order".

Mr. Okereafor commended officers of the various fire service outfits for their prompt intervention and also showered accolades on the members of the public who also aided in making sure the fire was extinguished. He also praised Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha whom he said "revived and rebuilt the state fire service that was comatose in his first 100 days in office as governor of Imo state".

[b][/b]
Governor Ihedioha's first 100 days in office

By Amb Saviola Godwyn

The much talked-about transparency and accountability of political office-holders is a guarantee of good governance brings about the analysis of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha's 100 days in office as the Governor of Imo state. Will the ardour of the former Deputy Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives burn as intensively throughout the rest of his tenure?

When former Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, was sworn-in as governor of Imo state on May 29, 2019, the attention of the nation was shifted to the historical state, with genuine prospect of "rebuild Imo" rising among citizens. This was expected largely because of the pedigree Ihedioha built while representing the people of Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala federal constituency in the National Assembly, and his subsequent success as the Deputy Speaker and then Speaker of the green chamber.

Ihedioha had campaigned for the new position on the premise of rebuilding Imo state that was ruined due to maladministration and anti-people policies that strangulated the state and sent it tumbling deep down into abyss.

This was much evident in his numerous speeches before, during and after the elections. The need for the "#RebuildImo" mantra was necessary since it was an established fact that all sectors of the state needed revival via pro-people policies.

Imolites have felt the huge difference between the ouster iberiberism regime and the administration whose word is their bond. The foundation laid by Ihedioha has heightened the already spiralling expectation from the citizenry. The new approach to governance and due process has galvanized the populace and attracted attention not just nationally but among development partners and other interest groups. The people have been co-opted and their inputs sought in efforts to improve their well-being.

A priority to Governor Ihedioha and his able deputy, Hon. Gerald Irona at the moment is institutional reform. They have repeatedly opined that when the institutions are on sound footing, the journey will be smoother.

What we have been served by Ihedioha so far is a development module that integrates Imo’s historical peculiarities and huge potentials while seeking to modernize all aspects of its life.

Governor Ihedioha in action: Educational upliftment

Knowing fully well that no human endeavour will move successfully without quality education, Ihedioha made the revamping of the sector his number one priority. Within days of taking over the reigns of affairs in the state, he declared a state of emergency in the education sector, he moved to revive vocational and technical schools, he visited the Imo State University (IMSU) to the applause of the management, staff and students alike to have first hand experience on what's going on at that citadel of higher that is now a shadow of its former self. He has also vowed to make sure the budgetary allocation for education is increased from the meagre sum it was when he assumed office. He has also approved the recruitment of quality teachers especially in the area of sciences as there's been a huge deficit of teachers over the years.

He also rewarded educational excellence by granting scholarships to two Imolites who excelled in this year's West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations. With Ihedioha, Imo is back to the top.
In making sure that the sector is uplifted and Imo state regains her lost glory in education, he appointed a core professional in the person of Prof. Viola Onwuliri to preside over the ministry of education with her wealth of experience.

Governor Ihedioha in action: What’s new in Imo state’s health sector

Much has happened in the health sector since May 29, 2019. After paying unscheduled late-night visits to public hospitals to assess things himself, Ihedioha announced u increment in allowances paid to itinerant health care workers who frequent rural areas daily to render services to those in need. To enhance use of life-saving drugs, government began distribution of free drugs to pregnant women and those who gave birth in public hospitals or private health care centre under government supervision in the rural areas.

Consultations have also started on efforts to introduce health insurance scheme in Imo state. The scheme is part of measures to decentralise the National Health Insurance Scheme for optimum performance. Governor Ihedioha said seeking the views of religious scholars and traditional rulers is essential for its future success. Due to space constraint, let me say that social welfare schemes met by Ihedioha have been enhanced, with the ultimate objectives to ensure all citizens feel the impact of government at all levels. Primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions are being given facelift for optimum service delivery. With Dr. Vin Udokwu, the ministry of health is sure to be achieve greatness.

The emergence of the #RebuildImo administration of Emeka Ihedioha and the appointment of Hon. Alex Emeziem Jnr as the Special Adviser to the governor on sanitation and transportation as well as General Manager of Imo ENTRACO brought about fresh air and positive change in the operation of the agency that was established to take utmost care of our environment and ensure sanity in the transport system.

Governor Ihedioha who knows the importance of clean environments and positive effects of tree planting, started with the planting millions of trees to the praises of the citizenry who know that trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe.
Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff,
which reduces erosion and pollution in our
waterways and reduces the effects of
flooding. Trees provide food, protection,
and homes for birds and mammals.

The rebranded Imo ENTRACO has gone about the business of ensuring Imo becomes the cleanest state in Nigeria again with evacuating of refuse as at when due, cleaning drainages, proactively putting up flood control measures in place. Infact, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim was appointed the chairman of the monthly sanitation exercise for July which was an all round success with prizes given to the various local government areas and individuals who excelled in that exercise. His appointment was subsequently extended till September.

Imo ENTRACO that used to be an oppressive tool and thorn in the flesh of Imolites is now friendly and carrying out their major task of keeping the environment clean and decongest traffic with utmost diligence. The narrative and reality has indeed changed. All flood prone areas across the state are being taken care of.

Governor Ihedioha in action: Security at it's peak

On security, governor Ihedioha is sustaining cooperation with various security agencies serving in the state, as well as gave out operational cars with state of the art equipments that are IT driven in order to aid "Operation Iron Gate" vision of the government. Insecurity that was the order of the day has drastically reduced under the watchful eyes of Ihedioha.

Governor Ihedioha in action: Sports is being revived

In the last eight years, the sports sector lay comatose but the coming of Ihedioha as seen to the revival of the sector with the Dan Anyiam stadium as well as the Grasshoppers Handball stadium that was left to rot is being renovated with state of the art facilities being installed to make these sporting centres usable again.
Approval of 27 stadia and recreational facilities across the 27 LGAs of Imo state have been approved by the sports loving governor in his first 100 days in office.

The state's number one football club, Heartland FC of Owerri that was hitherto relegated to abyss now breathes fresh air with the appointment of Barr. Charles Ezekwem as the board management chairman alongside capable members of the management. In this short period, Heartland Fc signed a highly rated coach of high repute with a track record for victory and massive technical know-how in the game in the person of Fidelis Ilechukwu who left MFM FC for the Naze Millionaires.

Quality players have been signed so far to make sure that the club returns to the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Issues of non-payment of salaries, low morale among the players is now a thing of the past as those degenerating issues at Heartland FC and Heartland Queens have been taken care of. Various sports from cricket to basketball, athletics to boxing, swimming to tennis, hockey to handball are being resuscitated. The icing on the cake is the appointment of an Olympic gold medalist, former Ajax and Arsenal footballer, Kanu 'Papilo' Nwankwo as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on sports.

Governor Ihedioha and his RebuildImo team are doing great in agriculture in order to make the state self-sufficient and boost food production and exportation. He has broken new grounds in entertainment, culture and tourism especially engaging Imo based entertainers and artistes. At the local government level, he has unprecedentedly granted autonomy to the third tier of government in order to make people at the grassroot reap the dividends of democracy. There is also respect and reverence for the traditional institution. Due process and rule of law has been strictly adhered to with utmost discipline.

Governor Ihedioha has achieved a lot in less 100 days considering that the economy of Imo state was in the red when he assumed office but pragmatically he has steadily driven the economy to green with his proactive policies, ease of doing business and partnerships that have brought in many investors to the state. The first 100 days is just a positive pointer to the fact that Imo is in the best of hands and much more will be achieved throughout his tenure as Imolites are happier. Imo bu nke anyi.Governor Ihedioha and his RebuildImo team are doing great in agriculture in order to make the state self-sufficient and boost food production and exportation. He has broken new grounds in entertainment, culture and tourism especially engaging Imo based entertainers and artistes. At the local government level, he has unprecedentedly granted autonomy to the third tier of government in order to make people at the grassroot reap the dividends of democracy. There is also respect and reverence for the traditional institution. Due process and rule of law has been strictly adhered to with utmost discipline.

Women are massively involved in the running of the #RebuildImo government, with a huge sense of belonging. Youths, in the true meaning of the word now sit at decision making tables in this administration with massive empowerment.

Governor Ihedioha has achieved a lot in less 100 days considering that the economy of Imo state was in the red when he assumed office but pragmatically he has steadily driven the economy to green with his proactive policies, ease of doing business and partnerships that have brought in many investors to the state for industrialization. The first 100 days is just a positive pointer to the fact that Imo is in the best of hands and much more will be achieved throughout this tenure as Imolites are happier. Imo bu nke anyi. #InvestInImo

Dear Nairalanders, I wish to clarify an issue regarding authorship of an article "Open letter to Buhari from Saviola Godwyn" updated here by one Xtopherprince (I do not know the person neither do I own the account), that I'm not the original author of the said post. Full credit goes to the original author Lawrencia Chioma. I sincerely apologise and regret the inconvenienecse caused her. Yours humbly, Saviola Godwyn.

Dear Nairalanders,

I wish to clarify the misconception regarding original authorship a post updated by one XtopherPrince( who I don't know and the account does not belong to me), the article titled 'Open letter to Buhari' is originally authored by Lawrencia Chioma not me as have been portrayed. I sincerely apologise and regret the inconvenience caused Chioma due to my misgivings. Full credit for said post goes to her.


Yours sincerely,
Saviola Godwyn.

Dear Nairalanders,

I wish to clarify the misconception regarding a post updated by one XtopherPrince( who I don't know and the account does not belong to me). The post titled 'Open letter to Buhari' is originally authored by Lawrencia Chioma not me. I sincerely apologise and regret the inconvenience caused Chioma. Full credit for said post goes to her.