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Category: News

  • Why There’s Shortage Of Electricity In Nigeria – FG

    Why There’s Shortage Of Electricity In Nigeria – FG

    Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu has  attributed the ongoing poor power supply in Nigeria to a low supply of gas to generating companies (GenCos).

    Adelabu emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the issue promptly.

    Adelabu stated that following discussions with GenCos and Distribution companies (DISCOs), investigations revealed the primary cause of the setbacks in the new year to be the insufficient supply of gas to GenCos. 

    The minister personally visited facilities in Olorunshogo, Ogun State, and Omotosho, Ondo State, to assess the challenges firsthand.

    Addressing the indebtedness to GenCos by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), Adelabu acknowledged the sector’s liquidity challenge and assured that efforts are underway to validate the debt and determine a fair resolution.

    To ensure a steady gas supply, the minister urged GenCos to establish contractual arrangements with gas suppliers, recognizing that concessions may be necessary. 

    He expressed the government’s commitment to working collaboratively to stabilize the power sector and emphasized the formation of a committee involving all stakeholders.

    The committee’s mandate is to develop recommendations for resolving gas supply and liquidity challenges, aiming for a more reliable and consistent power supply. 

    Adelabu also revealed plans to initiate discussions with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to underscore the importance of prioritizing Gas to Power.

  • Kwara Governor Vows To Get Justice For Slain Monarch

    Kwara Governor Vows To Get Justice For Slain Monarch

    Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Peter Aremu, the Onikoro of Koro-Ekiti in Ekiti LGA of Kwara state. 

    The traditional ruler was brutally killed during a home invasion by gunmen on Thursday, who also abducted his wife and two others.

    In a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, the chief press secretary to the governor, Abdulrazaq denounced the incident as “reckless, shocking, and abominable.”

    The governor has urged security operatives to swiftly track down the perpetrators, rescue the abducted individuals, and ensure justice is served.

    “We will certainly get the perpetrators and ensure that this is their last crime against humanity,” Governor Abdulrazaq vowed. 

    “My profound condolences go to the people of Koro. Our hearts are broken, and we stand by them at this time and always.”

    This tragic event further compounds the unsettling pattern of attacks on traditional rulers, echoing the broader security challenges facing the nation.

    Just days ago, on January 29, two traditional rulers fell victim to suspected kidnappers in Ekiti state, heightening concerns about the safety of community leaders.

  • Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints Commissioners, Special Advisers

    Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints Commissioners, Special Advisers

    Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation the names of six Commissioner-nominees.

    This was revealed in a statement signed by the Chief press secretary to the governor on Friday,
    Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    The nominees are:
    1. Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, ACCA
    2. Mr. Olukayode A. Ajulo, SAN, OON
    3. Engr. Razaq Obe
    4. Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan
    5. Barrister Akinwumi Sowore
    6. Mr. Oseni Oyeniyi

    The Governor has also appointed the following individuals as Special Advisers:

    1. Hon. Olugbenga Omole, Special Adviser on Information & Strategy
    2. Mrs. Olamide Falana, Special Adviser on Gender Affairs
    3. Mr. Alabi Johnson, Special Adviser on Energy.

  • Court refuses to stop terrorism charges against Fubara’s 5 loyalists

    Court refuses to stop terrorism charges against Fubara’s 5 loyalists

    The Federal High Court Abuja Friday, refused to grant the request of the five loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to stop the Inspector General of Police IGP from proceeding with their prosecution on terrorism offences.

    They are before the court seeking to stop the IGP on the ground that they can only be put on trial on terrorism charges by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.

    Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in a ruling on their preliminary objections raised against the IGP held that the defendants were wrong in their claims that only the AGF can put them on trial.

    Justice Olajuwon said that the law especially sections 3, 63 and 74 of Terrorism Prevention Act were clear to the effect that while the AGF has Constitutional.power to strengthen the terrorism prevention law, the same sections did not confer the exclusive rights to prosecute on the AGF.

    The Judge said that while section 5 of the Terrorism Prevention Act confers responsibility of gathering intelligence and investigation on police, the same section donated rights to Police to initiate criminal charges in a competent court of jurisdiction.

    Specifically, Justice Olajuwon held that while the AGF under section 174 of the 1999 Constitution can lawfully take over, continue or terminate any initiated criminal charges, such right did not make trial an exclusive rights of the AGF.

    “From the cursory look at all the authorities cited by lawyers for and against the IGP rights to initiate the instant criminal proceedings, one thing is clear and clearly too, that police can rightly initiate criminal charges including terrorism charges”.

    The Judge said that the preliminary objections to the trial by the defendants was incompetent, lacking in merit and subsequently dismissed them.

    The five defendants charged with terrorism offences are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.

    Meanwhile, Justice Olajuwon has fixed Monday, February 5 for ruling in their respective bail applications.

    The Judge fixed the date after taking arguments from lawyers from police led by Simon Lough, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Lukman Fagbemi SAN who stood for the 1st and 2nd defendants in the matter among others.

    Justice Olajuwon ordered that the five defendants be returned to Kuje Prison in Abuja pending the decision of the Court to allow them on bail or not.

    The five defendants are accused of committing the alleged terrorism offences during the wake of political upheaval that rocked Port Harcourt in October last year.

    In the charges against them marked FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun is named as the complainant.

    Apart from allegedly burning down the State House of Assembly, some of them were said to have killed a Superintendent of Police, (SP) Bako Agbashim and five police informants at Ahoada community of the state.

    The police informants said to have been killed are Charles Osu, Ogbonna Eja, Idaowuka Felix, Paul Victor Chibuogu and Saturday Edi.

    They were also accused of using various cult groups, namely- Supreme Viking Confraternity, Degbam, Iceland and Greenland to unleash mayhem on the people of the state and their commercial activities.

    Specifically, they are alleged to have on October 29, 2023 at Moscow Road in Port Harcourt conspired to commit acts of terrorism by wilful destruction of public properties by invading, attacking, destroying and burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly, an offence punishable under section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    Part of the charges read, “That you, Chime Eguma Ezebalike, 37 years, business man of Street 5, Radio Estate Ozuoba, Port Harcourt, Prince Lukman Oladele, 47 years of Okocha Street, Port Harcourt, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Hon Edison Ehie and others now at large on 29th of October 2023 at Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, while acting in concert conspired together to commit felony to wit: acts of terrorism by wilful destruction of public properties by invading, attacking, destroying and burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 26 (1) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    “That you Chime Eguma Ezebalike, 37 years, business man of Street 5, Radio Estate Ozuoba, Port Harcourt, Prince Lukman Oladele, 47 years of Okocha Street, Port Harcourt, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Hon Edison Ehie and others now at large on 29th of October 2023 at Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, while acting in concert and armed with dynamite, iron rods, lighters and other offensive weapons willfully and maliciously invaded, attacked and set fire on the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

  • Biden’s Michigan Visit Sparks Criticism from Arab American Community Over Israel Support

    Biden’s Michigan Visit Sparks Criticism from Arab American Community Over Israel Support

    President Joe Biden’s recent trip to Michigan has laid bare a widening gap between him and the sizable Arab-American community in the state, casting doubt on his chances for re-election in the upcoming November general election.

    While meeting with members of the United Auto Workers union, who had endorsed his re-election bid, Biden’s motorcade was rerouted through side streets in Warren to avoid approximately two hundred protesters expressing their dissatisfaction.

    The Arab-American community in Michigan, a key electoral group, voiced their disapproval of Biden’s steadfast support for Israel, particularly during the Gaza conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 27,000 people, primarily women and children. Chants of “Genocide Joe has got to go” resonated among the protesters, who also displayed Palestinian flags.

    According to analysis, “If Biden loses even half of their vote, it’s unlikely he can win Michigan – and without Michigan, he has a very narrow path to winning a second term.”

    Protesters on the ground expressed frustration and disappointment, with one demonstrator, Hawraa, emphatically stating, “There is nothing that will ever make me vote for a genocidal president, ever.” The sentiment was echoed by others, highlighting a sense of betrayal within the Arab American community.

    Salma Hamamy, an activist with Students for Justice in Palestine, accused Biden of “entirely abandoning” the Palestinian and Arab communities, as well as “the concept of humanity.” Protesters vowed not to support Biden on election day, citing his continued backing of Israel.

    This protest signifies a shift in the voting approach of the Arab American community. As Salma Hamamy declared, “Arab Americans will no longer choose between the ‘lesser of two evils.’ We will be voting for people who are deserving of our vote.” This shift could have substantial implications for Biden’s electoral standing in this critical state.

  • Insecurity: Akpabio Begs Germany To Halt Deportation Of 12,000 Nigerians

    Insecurity: Akpabio Begs Germany To Halt Deportation Of 12,000 Nigerians

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to the German government to reconsider its decision to deport approximately 12,000 illegal migrants to Nigeria. 

    The Senator expressed concern that such a move could exacerbate existing security challenges in the country.

    During a courtesy visit by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, Senator Akpabio emphasized the need for collaboration between Nigeria and Germany, citing the countries’ significant roles in their respective continents.

    “Nigeria is Germany’s second largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Ambassador Gunther, highlighting the economic ties between the two nations.

    Senator Akpabio underscored Nigeria’s current struggle with insecurity and called for a joint effort with Germany in areas such as security and power to foster socio-political development.

    Expressing concern about the potential security implications, the Senate President urged Germany to reconsider the deportation, stating, “Dumping 12,000 illegal immigrants in Nigeria would lead to the escalation of insecurity in the country.”

    Akpabio also called for Germany’s assistance in distinguishing genuine Nigerian immigrants among the group, given the challenges posed by individuals falsely claiming Nigerian identity due to crises in other African countries.

    The Senate President stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing security concerns and urged Germany to support Nigeria in its fight against insecurity while fostering economic development.

  • BBC Documentary: YouTube Yanks Off TB Joshua’s Emmanuel TV

    BBC Documentary: YouTube Yanks Off TB Joshua’s Emmanuel TV

    Movie streaming platform, YouTube has taken down the main channel of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Emmanuel TV.

    This is coming on the heels of the sexual and assault allegations against the late founder, Prophet TB Joshua. 

    The removal follows a controversial documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), shedding light on allegations of torture and rape linked to TB Joshua. 

    YouTube clarified that the channel was terminated for violating their hate speech policies, emphasizing their commitment to combating cyberbullying and harassment, particularly against survivors of sexual violence. 

    The development adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the religious institution.

  • Vice President Shettima Is Bereaved!

    Vice President Shettima Is Bereaved!

    The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has lost his step mother, Hauwa Kormi, in the early hours of Thursday.

    The Spokesman of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that Mrs Kormi who died after a prolonged illness at the age of 69, is survived by five children, many step children and grandchildren.

    He disclosed that the Janaiza (burial) is scheduled for 4pm today (Thursday) at Shettimari, Lawan Bukar, Maiduguri, Borno State.

    “May the Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and admit her to Jannatul Firdaus, amen.”

  • PDP Gets New Women Leader

    PDP Gets New Women Leader

    Amina Arong has emerged National 
    Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Her appointment is coming after the death of the former leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe 

    Stella died on October 29, 2023.

    National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Debo Ologunagba described Arong as a prominent women mobilizer. 

    He expressed confidence that she would bring on board her intellectual capacity as well as experience as a women leader.

    Arong is from Cross River. She holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a B.Sc. in Accounting.

    “The PDP congratulates and tasks the new national women leader to deploy her capacity and experience in working with other members of the National Working Committee for the continuing stability, growth and success of our great Party”, the statement added.

  • Bandits Kidnap FHA Director In Abuja

    Bandits Kidnap FHA Director In Abuja

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted Aondo Ver, a director at the Federal Housing Authority in the Federal Capital Territory. 

    The attack occurred around 12:30 am on Thursday merely 200 meters from a military base in Pambara, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

    The assailants, firing indiscriminately, created panic before fleeing through the bushes with their captive. 

    Residents, including serving and retired military personnel, confirmed the incident, expressing shock at the audacity of the bandits given the proximity of a military base.

    Sources revealed that the targeted area, Pambara Extension, housed both civilians and military personnel. 

    The abducted director’s home was located a short distance from the military base known as ‘camp.’ Witnesses reported that despite the military presence, the bandits executed the kidnapping successfully.

    Concerns are escalating over the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, with residents and authorities expressing growing apprehension. 

    Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.