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Pensioners Threaten Nationwide Naked Protest Over Unpaid Arrears
The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has threatened to hold a nationwide protest on November 24 if the Federal Government fails to pay the outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances owed to pensioners.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, November 11, in Lagos, the Coalition’s National Chairman, Mukaila Ogunbote, revealed that the Federal Government had failed to fulfil its promise of paying the ₦32,000 pension increment arrears and the ₦25,000 palliative allowance, which had been approved since 2023.
Ogunbote, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NIPOST Chapter, said the protest would take place unless the payments were made by November 23.
We were told that our arrears would be paid within two weeks of the approval, yet nothing has been done,” Ogunbote stated.
“If by November 23, we do not receive payment, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” he warned.
Ogunbote also disclosed that pensioners in the diaspora had expressed their support and would join the protest from their respective countries, making the protest not just a nationwide event, but a global one.
He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the funds.
“Many pensioners have died and many more are dying due to hardship, as they are unable to feed well or access proper medical treatment when ill,” Ogunbote lamented.
The coalition’s chairman further criticized the government for paying workers their ₦35,000 palliative allowance, while pensioners, who he argued are more vulnerable, have been left out.
Workers received the ₦35,000 palliative in a month, but up till now, pensioners have not been paid the ₦25,000 approved for us. We are more vulnerable than anyone else,” he said.
Ogunbote also expressed disappointment at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for not supporting the pensioners’ demand more actively. He called for unity among workers to address the perceived injustices perpetrated by the government, which he accused of prioritizing other expenditures while neglecting pensioners.
The pensioners’ representatives, including Ogunbote, also appealed to the government to release the owed funds before December to allow pensioners to prepare for the upcoming Christmas celebrations with dignity.
The President of the Civil Service Pensioners, Francis Oluwo, lamented that the individuals surrounding President Tinubu were not following through on the instructions issued to them.
Oluwo also called on the Federal Government to act swiftly, noting that many retirees are living in poor health conditions and struggling to afford basic needs like food and medication.
Bridget Obieto, the Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, echoed these sentiments and urged the NLC to use its influence to help address the pensioners’ demands.
We have served this country faithfully for over 35 years. Now that we are old, the government must not abandon us,” she said.
Obieto appealed to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to ensure the prompt payment of arrears before December to enable pensioners to celebrate the festive season with dignity.
The Chairman Emeritus of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NIPOST Chapter, Elijah Akindutire, also called for the payment of the arrears.
Akindutire urged pensioners to turn out in large numbers for the protest on November 24 to show the government their resolve.
“We are determined to make our voices heard,” Akindutire said.
The pensioners remain hopeful that the Federal Government will act before the deadline, but their resolve to protest has made their intentions clear.
News
BREAKING: Tinubu Issues Nationwide Message to Nigerians , “We Will Never Surrender”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will never yield to forces seeking to destabilise its peace, unity, and sovereignty.
The President spoke while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement shared via X, by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of religious and traditional figures in fostering peace and moral guidance across communities.
“Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated, they leave trails of blood in their wake.
But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender. We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well,” he said.
The President emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and securing the nation from insurgents and other threats to stability.
President Tinubu also reflected on the economic progress since assuming office, highlighting measures to stabilise public finances and support pensioners.
“I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve. And all I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty. I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are getting their relief gradually. We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy,” he stated.
He added that his administration has ensured that no governor struggles to pay salaries and is focused on long-term development in sectors such as agriculture and education to leave a lasting legacy.
In his remarks, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, praised President Tinubu for bringing together leaders of Nigeria’s major religions, describing the occasion as a symbol of national unity.
He prayed for guidance, protection, peaceful coexistence, and the President’s success. Representing the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe underscored the importance of faith leaders in promoting harmony.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured President Tinubu of the church’s continued support for his government’s efforts to transform the economy and strengthen security.
Traditional rulers and religious leaders from all six geopolitical zones attended the event, reinforcing the administration’s message of national unity, peace, and resilience.
News
SO SAD: Top APC Chieftain Collapses, Dies In Abuja; Party Reacts
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed that it is “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of “a highly respected” party chieftain, Chamberlain Dunkwu.
Dunkwu, president of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, tragically passed away after collapsing at his residence on Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. His sudden death came just hours before he was scheduled to attend the “Swim to the Future” programme, a key talent discovery event he had helped organise at the National Stadium Swimming Pool (Package B) in Abuja.
According to Leadership, sources close to the family confirmed that efforts to revive Dunkwu were unsuccessful.
Apart from leading the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Dunkwu also served as deputy chief of staff (legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Previously, he was a special adviser on members’ affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In its condolence message, signed by national spokesperson Felix Morka, the APC described Dunkwu as “an energetic, selfless, and loyal party man who contributed enormously to building and strengthening the party in his native Ika federal constituency, Delta State, and beyond.”
The APC’s statement reads on X: “Dr. Dunkwu lived a vibrant life of service and philanthropy that touched many within and beyond his homeland. His exit has created a yawning void that will be difficult to fill. Our Party prays God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge loss. And may He comfort all members of the APC family in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State and around the country at this difficult time.”
It added: “Amazing Grace! Amazing Grace! May His Grace lead you home, and may it be true for you as proclaimed in the old hymnal: “To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.” Fare thee well, dear compatriot!”
ABUJA, FCT
MARCH 8, 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
APC MOURNS DR. CHAMBERLAIN DUNKWU
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of a highly respected Party Chieftain, Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu, at 54.
The late Dr. Dunkwu was an energetic, selfless… pic.twitter.com/dA8I3XiEAc
— APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) March 8, 2026
News
Iran: Tension As Explosion Rocks Second US Embassy
An explosion hit the Embassy of the United States, Oslo in the Norwegian capital early Sunday, authorities said, but no injuries were reported.
The incident comes shortly after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted U.S. interests and allied locations in the Gulf, including strikes around Doha, Qatar, as Tehran retaliates against U.S. and Israeli military operations.
According to the police, the explosion damaged the entrance of the embassy’s consular section.
Police incident commander Michael Dellemyr told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that officers received several reports of a loud blast before arriving at the scene.
“At around 1:00 am we received several reports of an explosion. We arrived shortly afterwards and confirmed that there had been an explosion that hit the US embassy,” he said.
Dellemyr said the damage to the building appeared minor, adding that it was too early in the investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
“We are not going to comment on anything related to the type of damage, what exploded or similar details because it is still very early in the investigation,” he added.
However, he later told broadcaster TV2 Norway that investigators believe the incident may have been carried out deliberately.
Police said officers were speaking with witnesses while bomb disposal experts were deployed to the area.
Residents living near the embassy reported hearing a loud blast before police vehicles, helicopters and drones were deployed to the scene.
A 16-year-old witness identified as Edvard told TV2 he was watching television when the explosion occurred.
“My mother and I first thought it came from our house, but then we saw flashing lights outside and a lot of police,” he said.
Authorities cordoned off a large area around the embassy as investigations continued.
The incident comes as American diplomatic missions worldwide remain on heightened alert following tensions linked to military operations involving the United States and Iran.
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