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Category: News

  • Obaseki speaks on plans after leaving office 

    Obaseki speaks on plans after leaving office 

    Governor Godwin Obaseki says he wants to learn more, do research, and impart knowledge after his eighth year in office ends in Edo.

    Mr Obaseki stressed that after completing his second term in Osadebey House, he will not attempt to be a godfather.

    The incumbent Edo governor assumed power in 2016 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. In his second coming, he lost favour with his so-called godfather, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who, with the help of other party members, wrested the gubernatorial ticket from him, forcing Mr Obaseki to pitch his tent with the Peoples Democratic Party. Mr Obaseki won the subsequent election.

    When asked in an interview with THISDAY what was next for the Edo governor, who has some months left in office, Mr Obaseki said, “Obaseki is very fortunate and has every reason to thank God. If you look at Nigeria today, I am one of the few persons who have had solid private sector experience and have been in government. 

    “I have been in the APC and I have been in PDP. My role is to sit back and see how I can assist and help, nurture, let people know, share my experiences with them and support them. So, I see myself going back to school, research, teach and just impact knowledge.”

    Regarding entrenching leadership in Edo as a godfather, Mr Obaseki said, “There is no need to.”

    The governor added, “You always mentor people, but when you want to sit and begin to direct them, that’s where the problem is. I don’t like being directed, so why should I direct anybody? If I wanted to direct somebody, 

    “I would not get one of Nigeria’s most accomplished lawyers to come and run the state, make sacrifices, and step down from all his enviable professional engagements just to come and be directed in Edo state.”

  • FG, states will review sentencing for suicide attempt – AGF

    FG, states will review sentencing for suicide attempt – AGF

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has promised a review of the law imposing sentencing for suicide attempts.

    He gave the promise when he received a delegation from the Asido Foundation, a non-governmental organisation promoting mental health advocacy and reforms with a view to improving awareness, reducing stigma and discrimination and empowering persons with mental disorders and their families.

    In a statement signed by Kamarudeen Ogundele,
    S A to the President on Communications & Publicity,
    Office of the AGF, Sunday, the Minister said health is one of the priority areas of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The law is something we have to take a second look at, especially where it is established that the offenders are not in the right state of mind. What the offenders need is pity, treatment and love so as to rid society of this kind of situation.

    “But whatever we do is not binding on the states. So, I will take the case to the Body of Attorneys General,” Fagbemi said.

    He promised to take up the issues around the Mental Health Act with his colleagues in the Federal Ministry of Health.

    Earlier, the founder of Asido, Dr Jibril Abdulmalik, sought the help of the AGF in reviewing the law sentencing people for attempted suicide and the implementation of the Mental Health Act signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023.

    Abdulmalik said medical evidence had shown that all over the world, 80-90 percent of those who attempted suicide had background mental illness, especially depression.

    “It is because of sense of hopelessness that makes them get to the edge where they think they are better off dying.

    “In that situation what they need is help and treatment, not punishment and incarceration. We know the workload is heavy for our judicial officers…We don’t want them overburdened with cases that should ordinarily go to the hospitals,” he added.

  • Gunmen Kidnap 6 Anambra Clerics

    Gunmen Kidnap 6 Anambra Clerics

    Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have reportedly abducted Archbishop Uka Uka Osim of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.

    The cleric, his wife, Anne Osim and son, Roland Uka Osim, and three other clerics from the ministry were abducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Abia State while travelling to Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

    They were reportedly on evangelical duties when they were ambushed by the armed men. The other three priests also kidnapped were identified as Azuka Ochu, Moses Okafor and Anderson Akwazie.

    The kidnapping incident was confirmed to journalists by the administrator of the spiritual organisation in Abia State, BCS, Bishop Denis Onuoha.

    He said four days later, the abductors had not reached out to anybody.

    “We are very worried, but we are assured that the Almighty Father, whom they worship and work for with total devotion, will help them out,” Bishop Onuoha told reporters.

    The cleric urged security agencies to assist and rescue the clergymen, stating that the church has embarked on deep prayers, believing that the Archbishop and his brethren will be rescued unhurt.

  • Why I Refused To Return Edo Government Vehicle – Shaibu 

    Why I Refused To Return Edo Government Vehicle – Shaibu 

    Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has opened up about his impeachment, the state’s politics, godfatherism and the contentious issue of the campaign vehicles in his position.

    In an interview, Shaibu, who had previously accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of orchestrating his impeachment, revealed that he has forgiven the governor and is ready to reconcile with him.

    Addressing the issue of campaign vehicles in his possession, Shaibu clarified that the vehicles in his possession were not new but refurbished ones that belonged to previous deputy governors. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability during his tenure.

    He said, “The vehicles they are referring to are the two Prado SUVs used by Lucky Imasuen as the deputy governor. The other Hilux was the one (Dr Pius) Odubu’s wife used, and the Land Cruiser was the one Odubu used.

    “I took all those vehicles to the mechanic who changed their engine and refurbished them. Those are the vehicles that they are telling me to return.

    “So, you can see how heartless men can be. I got only one new vehicle in almost eight years that I served as the deputy governor of the state.”

    He emphasized his commitment to activism and the need for political leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people.
     
    On the issue of his impeachment, Shaibu criticized the process, stating that the oath of office had been breached by Governor Obaseki multiple times. He also highlighted the need for constitutional amendments to protect deputy governors from arbitrary impeachment.

  • Edo APC deputy gov candidate files N2bn libel suit against Ighodalo’s campaign DG

    Edo APC deputy gov candidate files N2bn libel suit against Ighodalo’s campaign DG

    Dennis Idahosa, the All Progressives Congress, APC, deputy governorship candidate for the September 21, 2024 election in Edo State, has filed a N2.15 billion libel suit against Olu Martins, the Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship campaign council.

    Idahosa, in the suit, accused Martins of authoring an article that portrayed him as a fraudster.

    The incumbent lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency instituted the suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The case with the suit number CS/2259/24 was filed May 3, 2024 by Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, counsel to the claimant.

    In the suit, Idahosa demanded N2 billion as general, punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages from the Martins for a libelous and malicious publication against him.

    The APC deputy gpvernorship candidate also demanded N15 million, being the cost of the action.

    The Federal lawmaker alleged that the defendant published an article in several social media platforms titled, ‘APC GUBER CANDIDATE, OKPEBHOLO MOCKS OSHIOMHOLE AS IDAHOSA RETURNS FROM FOREIGN TRIP’.

    He said the article, published on May 2, 2024 is libelous and discredited his personal and political reputation in the eyes of the general public.

    Idahosa, as a result, prayed the court for a declaration that the content of the publication made vide various whatsapp group chat pages, facebook and other social media outlets by the defendant is libelous and malicious.

    He also demanded an order of perpetual injunction restraining Martins, his agents or privies from further writing, printing, publishing online or causing to be written, printed or published online, the aforesaid article or words therein or similar words.

    Other reliefs sought include “An order directing the defendant to issue a clear and unqualified public apology to the claimant, in words acceptable to him, to be published by the defendant on the group whatsapp chat pages and other social media outlets, running uninterrupted for four weeks and in retraction of the aforesaid publication.

    “An order of court directing the defendant to cause the withdrawal and removal forthwith of the posting of the aforesaid publication.”

  • Graduate unemployment: NYSC Trust Fund to the rescue – Senate

    Graduate unemployment: NYSC Trust Fund to the rescue – Senate

    The chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Community Engagement, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), said that the recently passed National Youths Service Corps Trust Fund Bill would provide jobs for graduates.

    Adaramodu disclosed this when he led a delegation of the committee on an official visit to the Oyo State NYSC Orientation Camp at Iseyin on Saturday.

    He said that the bill, having scaled first and second readings and other crucibles of legislation, will soon be sent to the President for assent.

    The lawmaker said that the provision of the bill was basically to ensure that corps members get established through the training acquired from the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme.

    He added that the provisions of the bill also cater to corps members who might wish to go into business after their service year.

    “The issue of unemployment and what next for corps members after the service year will be a thing of the past soon. The bill will ensure that the dreams of every Nigerian graduate become a reality,” he said.

    Adaramodu disclosed that the Senate, in collaboration with relevant government departments, agencies and other stakeholders, would soon work on the upward review of corps members’ allowances.

  • Nigeria Police Reacts To Reports Of Packing Lagos State Residents In Buses To Osun

    Nigeria Police Reacts To Reports Of Packing Lagos State Residents In Buses To Osun

    The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command on Saturday claimed that it was not aware nor were its operatives involved in packing some residents of the state to Osun State. 

    Reports emerged on Saturday on how the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Lagos State Task Force packed hundreds of residents and young people from the streets of the state on Friday and dumped them in Osun State. 

    One of the youths who said he was taken away by the Nigerian policemen at his place of work on Friday afternoon narrated his ordeal.

    He had said the law enforcement agents packed young people from Ajah, TBS and Island areas of the state and gathered them inside an uncompleted building at the Makoko police station before moving them to a forest in Ilesha town in Osun State.
    He had said there were about five luxurious buses filled with the youths that were taken to Osun State in the company of policemen. 

    Reacting to this in a press statement issued on X, the state command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin claimed the force was not aware of the operation.

    The statement reads: “Following news making the rounds that the “Nigerian Police…Pack Residents…to Osun,” the Lagos State Police Command wishes to clarify that it is not aware, neither was it part, of any such operation.

    “The command, in keeping with its mandates of prevention and detection of crime, conducts raids of black spots from time to time, and promptly arraigns only culpable suspects in courts of competent jurisdiction in the state after a thorough screening of the people raided.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Adegoke Fayoade, assures the good people of Lagos State that the command would continue to prioritise their safety and security at all times.” 

  • TCN Transfers Market and System Functions to Newly Established Entity

    TCN Transfers Market and System Functions to Newly Established Entity

    In a bid to revitalize Nigeria’s power sector, President Bola Tinubu, in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has introduced sweeping reforms by unveiling the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO). This significant restructuring marks a pivotal moment for the country’s energy landscape.

    The decision was formalized through an official order signed by TCN’s Chairman, Mr. Sanusi Garba, and Vice Chairman, Mr. Muslim Oseni, in Abuja on Saturday.

    Under the directives outlined in the order, TCN will undergo a comprehensive transfer of all market and system operation functions to the newly established NISO.

    This realignment of responsibilities is in accordance with the stipulations set forth in the Electricity Act 2023, aimed at providing a more streamlined approach to the management of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

    Previously, TCN held critical licenses, including Transmission Service Provider (TSP) and System Operations (SO) licenses issued by NERC. With the inception of NISO, TCN will divest its market and system operation assets and liabilities to the newly formed entity, allowing for a sharper focus on its core transmission functions.

    To facilitate this transition, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has been tasked with overseeing the incorporation of a private company limited by shares under the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) by May 31.

    This entity, named the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO), will assume full responsibility for market and system operation functions as outlined in the Electricity Act and TCN’s system operation license.

    NISO’s mandate encompasses the efficient management of assets and liabilities associated with market and system operations on behalf of market participants and consumer groups.
    Furthermore, the newly established ISO will play a crucial role in negotiating contracts for ancillary services with independent power producers and generation licensees, ensuring the stability and reliability of Nigeria’s national grid.

  • It’s the people’s turn in Abia; Politicians have enjoyed enough – Otti

    It’s the people’s turn in Abia; Politicians have enjoyed enough – Otti

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has declared that the State under his watch, is the turn of the masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy, arguing that politicians who presided over the affairs of the state since the return of democracy in 1999, have helped themselves enough with the common patrimony.

    Otti who made the declaration while hosting a delegation of the Course 17, Syndicate 2 of the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, at Government House Umuahia, said he was on a mission to make the masses and not just a handful of privileged politicians, have a taste of good governance.

    The governor told his audience that his recent decision to wipe off backlog of pension arrears owed retirees since 2014 was a demonstration of his passion for the masses, who had been shortchanged by the ruling elite.

    He said that “never again shall Abia pensioners be owed their pension”, adding that he had also directed that they be paid along with workers on the 28th of every month, a directive, he affirmed, had taken effect from April.

    “This is the people’s time, politicians have helped themselves enough for the past 24 years”, Otti thunderered.

  • Court bars Kano DisCo from implementing new tariff

    Court bars Kano DisCo from implementing new tariff

    A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an order restraining the National Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company from implementing the new electricity tariff for Band A consumers.

    The suit marked FHC/KN/CS/144/2024 was filed by Super Sack Company Limited and BBY Sacks Limited.

    Others are Mama Sannu Industries Limited, Dala Foods Nigeria Limited, Tofa Textile Limited, and Manufacturers Association Of Nigeria Limited.

    However, ruling on an ex-parte motion by Abubakar Mahmoud, counsel to the plaintiffs, the presiding judge, Abdullahi Liman, ordered NERC and KEDCO from going ahead with the impending tariff pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it.

    The order also restrained the defendant from intimidating and threatening to disconnect the applicants’ electricity supply for non-acceptance of the new increased tariff.

    Recall that in April, NERC approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.

    With the new tariff, customers under the category, who receive 20 hours of electricity supply daily, would begin to pay N225 per kilowatt, starting from April 3 — up from N66.

    The sudden hike has since been criticized by the House of Representatives and other stakeholders who have asked NERC to suspend the implementation of the new tariff.