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Abiola family, Kingibe may receive over N400m settlement

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Going by the resolution of the Senate that the winner of June 12 1993 election, Chief Moshood Abiola and his running mate, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, should be declared winners of the election and paid their entitlements, the Federal government may have to pay more than N400 million as compensation to the late Abiola’s family and Kingibe.

Both were the presidential candidate and running mate in the June 12, 1993 election that was annulled by the regime of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

The Senate, at plenary on Thursday, resolved that Buhari should declare the duo ex-president and ex-vice president respectively and pay all entitlements due them.

Sunday Tribune conducted an investigation into how much the family of Abiola is likely to be paid as emoluments and entitlements duo in compliance with the resolution of the Senate.

According to the 2007 Remuneration Act for political officeholders, the president is entitled to an annual basic salary of N3,514,705, while the vice president earns N3,031,572.50.

Since the two officers are not entitled to monetisation of most of their allowances, they are only entitled to 50 per cent of their basic salary as hardship allowance, 10 per cent leave allowance, 250 per cent as constituency allowance and 300 per cent of basic as severance gratuity.

For Abiola, his emoluments for the four-year period of October 1, 1993 and September 31, 1997 will amount to N68,185,277 made up of: basic salary- N14,058,820; hardship allowance-N7,029,410; leave allowance-  N1,405,882; constituency allowance- N35,147,050 and; severance gratuity- N10,544,115.

Kingibe, on the other hand, would earn N58,763,506.50 from: basic salary- N12,126,290; hardship allowance- N6,063,145; leave allowance- N1,212,629; constituency allowance- N30,315,725 and; severance gratuity- N9,094,717.

In addition, through Decree 32 of 1999, Nigeria commenced payment of entitlements to former presidents, their deputies and former parliamentary leaders.

This transformed into the remuneration of former Presidents, heads of Federal Legislative Houses and Chief Justices of the Federation (and other Ancillary Matters) Act of 2001.

In it, former presidents and heads of state were entitled to N4.2 million annually, while past vice presidents and past chiefs of general staff were entitled to N3 million per annum for their upkeep.

“As from the commencement of this Act, all former-Presidents and Heads of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (in this Act referred to as “former Heads of State”) shall be-(i) paid the sum of N350,000 per month as up-keep allowance; and (ii) entitled to the perquisites of office specified in Part I of the Schedule to this Act; and (b)Vice-Presidents and Chiefs of General Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (in this Act referred to as “former Vice-Presidents”) shall be- (i) paid the sum of N250,000 per month as up-keep allowance; and (ii) entitled to the perquisites of office specified in Part II of the Schedule to this Act.”

The Act also made provisions for domestic staff, security aides, vehicles and up-keep allowances for families of deceased presidents.

Since he died on July 7, 1998, Abiola would not be entitled to an officer, not below the rank of a chief administrative officer; a personal secretary not below Grade Level 12; three to four armed policemen; one Department State Service (DSS) officer not below Grade Level 10 as an Aide-de-Camp to be attached for life and paid by the State Security Agencies; three vehicles to be bought by the Federal Government and liable to be replaced every four years; and drivers to be paid by the Federal Government and other benefits.

Kingibe, however, will henceforth be provided with: an officer not below the rank of a chief administrative officer; a personal secretary not below Grade Level 10, two to three armed policemen; one DSS officer not below Grade Level 8 as an Aide de Camp to be attached for life and paid by the State Security Agencies; two vehicles to be replaced every four years.

He will also have drivers paid for by the Federal Government; free medical treatment for them and their immediate families within Nigeria; treatment abroad where necessary; 30 days’ annual vacation within and outside Nigeria at Federal Government expense; a modestly well-furnished and equipped office in any location of their choice in Nigeria; a well-furnished three-bedroom house in any location of their choice in Nigeria.

According to the 1999 law, amended in 2008 and 2010, remuneration of the former leaders shall be subject to review whenever there is an increase in the salary of the serving President and Vice-President; and the Federal Government shall in its annual budget make provision for the remuneration of former Heads of State and former Vice-Presidents.

Abiola’s family would be entitled to the payment of the sum of N1,000,000 per annum, which would amount to N18 million calculated since 1999 for the up-keep of the spouse and education of the children his up university level.

The money spent on education of his children still in school when he died would also be calculated and paid.

In 2008 and 2010, the Act was amended to give Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, (RMAFC) the mandate to fix remunerations of the ex-leaders from time to time in line with economic realities, especially whenever the salary of the serving President is raised. Federal Government also makes provision for the remuneration of former heads of state and former vice-presidents in its annual budgets.

In the case of death, the family of an ex-president is entitled to the sum of N1 million per annum payable in the sum of N250,000 per quarter, and the deceased former Vice-President’s the sum of N750,000 per annum payable in the sum of N187, 500 per quarter. The allowances applied to the upkeep of the spouse and education of the children of deceased former leaders up to the university level. (Tribune)

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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

By Ikenna Oluka

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Mrs. Bose Ojougboh
Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, wife of the Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh (Centre) flanked by other members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.

The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.

The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.

The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.

“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.

Honouring his passion for education

The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.

Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor

At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.

Reaching out to orphaned children

The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.

Mrs. Bose Ojougboh -
members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy

Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.

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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative

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YP4T
L-r: Alex Oware, Director, YP4T; a beneficiary; Dr. Love V. Tinuoye (C.E.O. Medvita Consultancy); Pharm. Enobong S. Useh (M.D. Medvita Pharmacy and Stores LTD); Mrs Jumoke Elom, beneficiary; Ojey Victor Benjamin, Director, YP4T.

More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.

The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.

Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.

Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:

“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”

Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.

The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.

Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:

“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”

The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”

The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.

This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.

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Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas

… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence

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Bello Matawalle and Christmas
*Bello Matawalle

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.

In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.

“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.

Matawalle Salutes military
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas

The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.

Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations

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