metro

Lagos Pensioners Give Sanwo-Olu 19-Day Ultimatum: Implement Wage Award or Face ‘Mother of All Protests’

Published

2 months ago

August 18, 2026

Lagos Pensioners Give Sanwo-Olu 19-Day Ultimatum: Implement Wage Award or Face ‘Mother of All Protests’

Over 50,000 Contributory Pension Scheme retirees accuse government of foot-dragging, plan warning protest on August 24 and mass demonstration on August 31 if demands are not met by August 19.

Thousands of pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme in Lagos State have issued a 19-day ultimatum to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, demanding the immediate implementation of approved pension increases and wage awards for retirees. The pensioners have warned that failure to meet their demands will result in a “mother of all protests” on August 31, 2026, involving over 50,000 retirees across the state. The ultimatum, contained in a July 31, 2026, letter signed by the council chairman, Michael Omisande, and addressed to Governor Sanwo-Olu, has thrown the spotlight on the growing frustration among Lagos State pensioners who say they have been left in limbo while their colleagues under the Defined Benefits Scheme have already started receiving enhanced payments. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for adequate protection.

The retirees, under the aegis of the National Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme, Lagos State Council, said they had become frustrated by what they described as prolonged delays by the Lagos State Pension Commission in processing the adjustment. They said the proposed increase followed a template transmitted to the Lagos State Government in January 2026 by the national leadership of the NUP, CPS, for the implementation of the pension increase/wage award approved for federal retirees. According to the pensioners, the matter had been discussed at a meeting convened by Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Government House, Alausa, on May 22, 2025, attended by representatives of the pensioners, LASPEC, and members of the state cabinet. Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat subsequently intervened, while the Director-General of LASPEC, Babalola Obilana, confirmed receipt of the template and said an actuary had been engaged in February to determine the financial implications. However, the pensioners said they were yet to see the adjustment implemented, accusing LASPEC of “foot-dragging.” They further said that during a visit to LASPEC in May, the commission’s Director-General informed them that the actuary had submitted its report but that further clarification was required before it could be forwarded to the governor for consideration and approval. The pensioners lamented that the delay was taking a toll on them, saying, “We are dying daily due to paucity of funds to take care of ourselves after serving the state meritoriously for 35 years.”

READ ALSO:

Consequently, the union directed the state government to ensure that the relevant pension accounts were credited through the Pension Fund Administrators by August 19, 2026. The letter stated: “In view of the foregoing, sir, we are compelled to issue an ultimatum, effective 1st August, 2026, to the State Government to credit our accounts at the various Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, by 19th of August, 2026.” The pensioners warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in a mass demonstration. “If our demands are not met, sir, at the expiration of the ultimatum, over 50,000 CPS pensioners will have no choice but to stage a ‘Mother of Protest’ on Monday, 31st August, 2026,” they warned.

In a follow-up to the ultimatum, the union held an emergency EXCO and Zonal Coordinators meeting on Monday, June 17, 2026, at the Lagos Pensioners House, Oshodi, where they resolved to hold a warning protest on Monday, August 24, 2026, at strategic locations across all zones in Lagos State. According to the resolutions signed by Chairman Michael Omisande, members are to arrive at meeting points by 8am, move to designated locations by 9am, and the Chairman’s speech will be read at the protest grounds by 10am. Uniform banners and placards will be provided by the State EXCO, and Coordinators have been tasked with ensuring effective mobilisation of members. Police authorities have also been informed of the new development in anticipation of the mother of all protests tentatively fixed for August 31. The Lagos State Council Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Funmi Sessi, who attended the meeting, appealed to the government to act fast to avoid confrontation. “We therefore, appeal to our members in Lagos and its environs to be prepared for the mother of all protest, if government fails to honour the agreement,” she said. The NUPCPS Lagos State Council Principal Secretary, Olagbaye Johnson, also urged pensioners to remain patient, noting that federal pensioners waited for eleven months before their own wage award was implemented. He said: “We pray by the time when the implementation shall come, nobody among us shall be missing. We shall all reap the fruits of our labour. Our labour shall never be in vain. Pensioners united can never be defeated. Solidarity forever.”

Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Government said it had not received funds from the Federal Government for the pension increase and was funding the additional liability for eligible state pensioners from its own resources. The government said the claim that federal funds meant for pensioners were being held by the state in a bank to generate interest was incorrect. According to the government, Lagos had already implemented the approved increase for eligible pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme, while the process for CPS retirees was still ongoing. The difference in the treatment of the two schemes was due to the structure of the CPS and the need to determine the state’s financial exposure before implementation. “Given the structure of the CPS and the need to determine the state’s full financial exposure accurately, an independent actuary has been engaged to assess the liability and provide the appropriate basis for implementation,” the government said. It added that comprehensive data on affected CPS pensioners had been requested from relevant PFAs and Approved Existing Schemes to validate the number of eligible beneficiaries, determine the applicable adjustments, and establish the overall financial implications. The government therefore rejected the suggestion that it was deliberately delaying or withholding the benefit. “The Lagos State Government, therefore, wishes to assure its pensioners that there is no deliberate delay or withholding of funds. The necessary work is being undertaken to ensure that the CPS component is implemented accurately, transparently and sustainably,” it said. The government also said pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme were already receiving the enhanced pension, explaining that where a Lagos retiree’s pension included a Federal Government component, the increase on that portion had already been paid by the Federal Government, adding that Lagos would not duplicate the payment.

READ ALSO:

Earlier in May 2026, the Lagos State Government disclosed that it had paid a total of ₦8,042,264,264.91 to retirees under both the Contributory Pension Scheme and Defined Benefit Scheme as part of efforts to strengthen workers’ welfare. The Head of Service, Bode Agoro, said the payment reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired public servants. Agoro also noted that a ₦50,000 palliative was paid to public servants in May 2026, while a ₦32,000 monthly pension increment was approved for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme. The state government said it remained committed to the welfare of pensioners and urged them to be patient as the process for the CPS beneficiaries was completed.

The Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, has committed to engaging with Governor Sanwo-Olu to resolve critical issues affecting pensioners in the state, focusing on accelerated implementation of pension hikes for CPS retirees, settlement of 57-month arrears for Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners, and payment of 12-month wage award arrears. The PenCom boss urged the senior citizens to exercise patience while LASPEC concludes the determination of financial implications, noting that seeing retirees protesting on the streets would be a “distraction” to the President’s vision for social security. The Lagos State Council of the NLC has pledged to maintain regular engagement with LASPEC to monitor the progress of pension calculations and ensure retirees receive their due entitlements promptly.

The state government has urged pensioners to remain calm and patient as the necessary constitutional and legislative steps are completed, assuring them that their welfare remains a priority. According to available information, the actuarial evaluators have completed the calculations and assessment of the wage award approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This marks an important milestone in the process, as the technical evaluation required for implementation has now been concluded. The next stage is for Governor Sanwo-Olu to present the proposal to the Lagos State House of Assembly for legislative consideration. Once the House reviews and approves the proposal, the implementation process can proceed in line with the relevant legal and administrative procedures. Stakeholders hope that the remaining stages of the process will be handled promptly so that eligible pensioners can begin to benefit from the approved wage award as soon as possible. The welfare of retirees remains an important issue, and timely action would provide much-needed relief and reassurance to Lagos State Contributory Pensioners. Many pensioners have eagerly awaited progress on the wage award, hoping it will help improve their financial well-being in the face of rising living costs. While the process has taken time, the completion of the actuarial evaluation is a positive development that indicates progress is being made. Pensioners are therefore advised to remain calm and patient as the necessary constitutional and legislative steps are completed.

Lagos Pensioners Give Sanwo-Olu 19-Day Ultimatum: Implement Wage Award or Face ‘Mother of All Protests’

Related Topics:Lagos pensioners protests ultimatum

Up Next

Palliative Care, Not Abandonment: Doctor Clears the Air on Ogogo’s Stage-Four Cancer Treatment

Don't Miss

Chief Imam, 27 Others Killed as Lakurawa Terrorists Attack Sokoto Community During Friday Prayers

metro

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

Published

1 hour ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

A 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, has told the Enugu State Police Command how he allegedly killed his 27-year-old girlfriend, Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, after an argument involving allegations over HIV infection.

Emmanuel gave the account during an interview with the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a video released by the command on Friday.

The police identified Ugwu as a Medical Laboratory Science graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, who had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred around midnight on September 19, 2026, at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

He said the argument started after he told Ugwu that he could treat people living with hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. Emmanuel alleged that Ugwu then accused him of infecting her with HIV, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation.

The suspect claimed Ugwu picked up a pestle and began hitting him, after which he said he took the object from her and struck her, causing her to collapse.

READ ALSO:

Emmanuel further told the police that he subsequently used a machete to inflict injuries on her wrist, head and neck.

The police said the latest investigation revealed that the suspect’s account went beyond the initial allegation that he had used a pestle. According to the command, he also allegedly used a machete during the incident.

After the alleged killing, Emmanuel said he wrapped Ugwu’s body in a black nylon bag and moved it into the toilet of the apartment. He said he then locked the toilet and the master bedroom before leaving.

The remains were later discovered after neighbours reportedly noticed an offensive odour coming from the apartment. The neighbours forced their way inside and found the decomposing body.

Police had earlier said Emmanuel was apprehended by residents and was subsequently rescued from an angry mob before being re-arrested by officers attached to the Awkunanaw Division.

The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the investigation continued. (Premium Times Nigeria)

During the police interview, Emmanuel also admitted damaging Ugwu’s Samsung phone, saying he feared that it could be used to trace him. He said her iPhone had already been switched off after she complained that it was faulty.

The suspect said he first met Ugwu through Facebook in 2023 and that they resumed their relationship after she returned to Enugu in 2026. He claimed that he intended to marry her and had discussed the relationship with her mother.

Emmanuel also suggested that he was not fully aware of his actions at the time of the incident and appealed for forgiveness and mercy.

However, Ugwu’s family has disputed reports that she was killed simply because of an HIV-related disagreement, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death require a thorough and independent investigation.

READ ALSO:

Her immediate elder sister, Kenechi Maryam, said members of the family were present during an interview involving Emmanuel and the Commissioner of Police. She said the suspect’s accounts about the injuries and weapons allegedly used raised questions that the family wanted investigators to resolve.

According to the family, Emmanuel initially spoke about using a pestle but later mentioned a machete when questioned about injuries to Ugwu’s head and neck.

The family has called on the police, medical personnel and other relevant authorities to establish the actual cause of death, the nature of the injuries and what weapon or object caused them.

The family has also urged journalists and members of the public not to treat the alleged HIV dispute as an established motive until investigators have completed their work. (ThisDay.com.ng)

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has assured Ugwu’s parents and siblings that justice would be served. The command said the victim’s family had been identified and interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The commissioner has directed investigators to conclude the case and ensure that the suspect is charged to court after the investigation.

The police have also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their whereabouts when visiting or spending time with people they know.

The allegations against Emmanuel remain subject to investigation and possible court proceedings, while the circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death have yet to be fully established.

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

metro

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that Nwogba remain in custody pending a ruling on his bail application. The court fixed October 7, 2026, for ruling on the bail request and October 19 for the commencement of trial. (Vanguard News)

The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police in a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026. The charge was dated September 18 and filed on September 21, 2026.

Nwogba, who was arraigned before the court, pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

The police alleged that Nwogba and other suspects still at large fraudulently impersonated the JAMB Registrar in 2026 by using Prof. Aina’s name and photograph on platforms including WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn.

According to the prosecution, the alleged syndicate used the identity to approach unsuspecting members of the public with purported offers of government and JAMB-related contracts.

READ ALSO:

Investigators alleged that the suspects directed prospective victims to communicate through a WhatsApp number and claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution further alleged that victims were asked to pay N900,000 as an initial processing or “handshake” fee, with another N3 million allegedly demanded for payments purportedly meant for senior officials in the Ministry of Education.

Police investigations reportedly led to Nwogba’s arrest in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in August.

The prosecution told the court that Nwogba allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe and provided bank details to facilitate the alleged transactions.

Investigators also alleged that an Access Bank account linked to a deceased person was provided for the payment of the requested money. Police said Nwogba told investigators that the account belonged to his late nephew, who died in April 2026 and was buried in July.

The police further alleged that Nwogba admitted forwarding the account details to a cousin identified as Nnabuife Nwekpa, whom investigators described as the alleged principal suspect in the operation.

Nwekpa remains at large, according to the prosecution, while efforts are reportedly ongoing to arrest him.

The case followed a petition by the JAMB Registrar concerning the alleged unauthorised use of his identity and photograph to deceive members of the public.

At Friday’s proceedings, Nwogba’s lawyer, Christian Ejike, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that there was a risk that the defendant could evade trial if released.

The prosecution also told the court that its witnesses and exhibits were ready and that it was prepared to proceed with the case.

Justice Ibrahim, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the bail ruling to October 7 and fixed October 19 for trial.

The allegations against Nwogba remain before the court, and his plea of not guilty means that the prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

metro

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

Published

3 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has identified a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

Ugwu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, in Enugu.

The suspect was arrested after the discovery of Ugwu’s remains at his residence in the Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

According to the police, the incident allegedly occurred on September 19, 2026. Ugwu’s remains were reportedly discovered after neighbours became suspicious of an offensive odour coming from the suspect’s apartment.

The police said neighbours forced the door open and found the deceased’s remains concealed in the toilet. Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended by residents before police officers arrived and took him into custody.

The command had earlier alleged that an argument between the couple over claims relating to HIV infection preceded the incident. Police said the suspect told investigators that he struck Ugwu on the head with a pestle during the confrontation.

However, the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and the suspect’s account has not been established as fact by a court.

READ ALSO:

Ugwu’s remains were reportedly taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the circumstances and cause of her death. The police have not announced the outcome of the autopsy.

In a fresh update, the Enugu police command said investigators had established the identity of the deceased and identified her parents and siblings, who were subsequently interviewed as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, also met with members of Ugwu’s family and the suspect. The commissioner assured the family that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice in accordance with the law.

The family has also reportedly called for a comprehensive investigation, questioning the suggestion that the alleged killing should be attributed solely to an HIV-related disagreement.

The police said Emmanuel has been interviewed by investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death.

The command urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant in their relationships and when meeting people they know. It advised people to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts and to take warning signs in potentially dangerous situations seriously.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.