The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has vowed to stage nationwide naked protests on October 6 over what they described as government neglect of their demands.

At a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, the coalition’s national chairman, Mukaila Ogunbote, confirmed the planned demonstrations.

Ogunbote explained that pensioners had given the federal government until the end of September to clear arrears, approve increments, and release palliatives. He stressed that the planned protest would serve as a symbolic act to expose the government’s failure and draw attention to their plight.

He lamented that while workers received the N35,000 palliative within one month of President Bola Tinubu’s approval in October 2023, pensioners were yet to get their N25,000 package.

According to him, employees have since been paid additional palliatives for 10 months, but retirees’ demand for six months’ worth has been ignored.

Ogunbote also recalled that Tinubu had directed a N13,000 pension increase, which is yet to be implemented by either the ministry of finance or the office of the accountant-general.

“When we enquired, we were told our N32,000 increment was omitted from both the 2024 and 2025 budgets. This is injustice,” he said.

Fashola Oluwo, a retired worker from the federal ministry of information, decried the worsening cost of living, noting that many pensioners cannot afford basic needs. He added that some retirees have even died while waiting for their benefits.

Another pensioner, Dupe Ogunniyi, appealed to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to intervene with the president on their behalf.

Ogunniyi said retirees are burdened not only by meagre pensions but also by the responsibility of supporting unemployed children.

Afriland Properties Plc has traced the cause of the fire outbreak at its head office on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.

The company’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The clarification came only hours after the incident, which affected the building that also accommodates a branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc.

Due to several videos from the scene circulating online, many initially mistook the structure for UBA’s corporate headquarters.

In his statement, Okafor said:
“Afriland Properties Plc regrets to inform that a fire incident occurred today at Afriland Towers, our headquarters, located on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos.

“From the moment the incident was reported, the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service, and other emergency agencies were promptly alerted and immediately mobilised to contain the fire and coordinate rescue operations.

“Their swift intervention played a crucial role in preventing further damage and stabilising the situation.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.

“While an immediate investigation has begun, preliminary findings suggest the fire started in the inverter room. Unfortunately, smoke spread rapidly throughout the building, including the emergency exits, even though standard evacuation procedures were being followed.

“Afriland Properties Plc is working hand in hand with the relevant authorities as the investigation continues. We are grateful to the emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who showed courage and assisted during the incident.

“The company will continue to provide timely updates as verified information becomes available.”

Members of the Lagos State Assembly have called for financial autonomy for the legislative arms of the Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) throughout the state.

The call was made at Plenary session on Tuesday, September 16, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa.

The motion, titled “Call for Financial Independence for the Legislative Arms of Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos,” was introduced by Hon. Sanni Babatunde, the Chairman of the Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.

Hon. Babatunde underscored that the legislative arm at the local level plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic framework, bearing constitutional responsibilities for law-making, oversight, and constituency representation.

Contributing to the discussion, Hon. Obafemi Saheed highlighted that the 1999 Constitution emphasizes the separation of powers, asserting that granting autonomy at the local level would enhance representation, oversight, and independence, aligning it with practices at the state and federal levels. He argued that such measures would foster good governance at the grassroots.

Hon. Temitope Adewale, OON, who supported the motion, stressed that councilors perform functions comparable to those of state legislators. He expressed concern that many council leaders often face undue influence from local government chairpersons due to their financial reliance. He proposed that training for local government legislative leaders should involve cooperation between the Ministry of Local Government and the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Further insights were shared by Hon. Bonu Solomon, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing financial autonomy to local governments through direct allocations from the federation account, which has reportedly improved their operational efficiency. He insisted that similar financial independence should also be granted to local legislative bodies.

Hon. Aro Moshood added that empowering local government legislatures is essential for effective governance, suggesting that lawmakers should actively observe local legislative sessions to understand the issues faced by councilors without autonomy.

The lawmakers decided to urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to instruct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to formulate a strategy for the independent financing of Legislative Councils within Lagos State.

Speaker Obasa echoed the importance of financial independence for councilors to effectively perform their oversight roles. He noted the increased allocations to local governments and emphasized the need to empower grassroots legislatures to maintain proper checks and balances for the benefit of the citizens.

The House resolved to instruct the Commissioner of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to prioritize ongoing training and capacity-building programs for councilors in financial management, budgeting, and legislative practices. They also urged the Ministry to pursue the enactment of a self-accounting law that would secure financial autonomy for the legislative arms in all local governments and LCDAs.