By Raphael Atuu, Abuja

Barrister Henry Nnanna Okeke, a member of the Governing Council of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, has commended. Enugu State Governor ,His Excellency ,Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for clearing verified pension backlogs and approved a ₦32 billion package to settle legacy gratuity arrears dating back to the year 2000 outstanding pension arrears owed to pensioners in Enugu State.

Okeke described the reported development as a significant step towards improving the welfare of retired civil servants who devoted their productive years to the service of the state.

He praised Governor Mbah for fulfilling his promise to pensioners, noting that the payment would bring relief to retirees who depend on their pensions and other entitlements to meet their daily needs.

According to him, pensioners deserve to enjoy the benefits of their years of service without unnecessary hardship, particularly after contributing to the growth and development of Enugu State.

The polytechnic governing council member noted that addressing pension arrears was an important demonstration of responsible leadership and a commitment to the welfare of citizens.

He said the reported clearance of the arrears would help ease the financial burden on affected pensioners and their families, while restoring confidence among retirees who had been awaiting their entitlements.

Okeke further urged the state government to sustain the progress by ensuring regular pension payments and preventing the accumulation of fresh arrears.

He stressed that the welfare of pensioners should remain a priority, adding that retirees deserve dignity, financial security and timely access to their entitlements after years of dedicated public service.

The commendation reflects the importance of policies that place the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance and ensure that government commitments translate into tangible benefits for the people.

Okeke reaffirmed his support for initiatives aimed at promoting good governance, accountability and sustainable development in Enugu State.

He expressed optimism that the Mbah administration would continue to implement policies and programmes that improve the living conditions of residents and strengthen the state’s development agenda.

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark, has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to insist on transparent and credible elections in Nigeria.

Mark made the call on Thursday in Abuja while receiving an ECOWAS delegation on a pre-election fact-finding mission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC leadership expressed concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparedness and commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections during the meeting with the delegation.

Mark said Nigeria’s elections were critical to West Africa’s stability and would attract global attention, emphasising the need for stakeholders to work together to ensure credible electoral outcomes.

“This is why we must all work together to ensure we get it right. You have made us understand that your mission is pursuant to the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework.

“We are quite happy with this. But the best way to prevent conflict, especially in relation to elections, is to ensure that it is free, fair and transparent,” he said.

Mark said the ADC was committed to peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections, urging ECOWAS to support efforts to ensure credible electoral processes.

“We in the ADC have committed ourselves to the highest standards of peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections. But we need ECOWAS to join us in insisting on a credible election now.

“We want the same thing: a peaceful and stable Nigeria and West Africa. This is why you must tell INEC that they must not do anything that could plunge Nigeria into a needless crisis.

“This must form part of your early warning signals,” he added.

The Head of Mission and former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Victor Bockarie Foe, said the mission aimed to assess Nigeria’s preparedness for credible elections and the political atmosphere ahead of the polls.

Foe promised to convey the party’s concerns, alongside those of other stakeholders, to the regional body, emphasising Nigeria’s importance to peace and stability across West Africa.

Other members of the ECOWAS mission included Francess Piage Alghali, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Julius Fofanah Sandy, representing the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives’ Committee; and Segrine Mamadou, Head of Electoral Assistance Division.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised emergency measures to tackle insecurity, corruption, hunger and poverty, if elected.

Obi made the promise on Thursday during an interactive town hall meeting with a large crowd of supporters across party lines in Abakaliki.

The former Anambra governor said that Nigeria required purposeful leadership to achieve sustainable development, adding that he possessed the character, experience and capacity to lead the country.

He said that Nigeria had vast arable land and other resources that could transform its economy if properly harnessed.

According to him, the country must shift from consumption to production, particularly through agriculture and other productive sectors.

On the Federal Government’s borrowing, Obi said taking loans was not inherently wrong but became problematic when the funds were used for consumption rather than productive investments.

“It becomes wrong when the government borrows to buy a yacht, presidential plane and for consumption purposes,” he said.

He pledged that his administration would ensure transparency in public borrowing, insisting that Nigerians must know why loans were obtained and how the funds would be utilised.

On security, the presidential candidate promised to deploy modern technology and other effective measures to tackle insecurity and guarantee the safety of citizens across the country, irrespective of their locations.

Obi also vowed that anyone found guilty of corruption, including the President, would face prosecution and imprisonment in accordance with the law.

He said his vision was to build a Nigeria where citizens could achieve their aspirations through merit rather than personal connections.

“My dream is to see a Nigeria where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he added.

Obi, who expressed excitement over the turnout at the meeting, described himself as the most credible among the three leading presidential candidates.

He cited President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and himself as the leading contenders.

He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the forthcoming election and protect their votes.

“You should vote for me because I am the most credible candidate among the leading candidates for the presidency,” he said.

Obi expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve meaningful transformation under credible leadership, pledging to provide such leadership if elected. (NAN)