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Electricity: Cabal Threatened Me Over Power Reform- Adelabu

August 18, 2024

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu says some persons threatened him over his quest to reform the nation’s power sector.

The minister made the remark in Ibadan at the weekend while participating on a radio programme.

“Let me say this for the first time. I received threat calls” he said, because of the ongoing reform in the sector.

Under his watch, the nation’s electricity tariff has increased by over 300 percent, generating serious condemnation among not a few Nigerians.

The minister has also refused to revert the tariff despite the resolutions by the National Assembly to that effect.

But analysts in the sector say power has become relatively stable in the last few months, alluding the progress to the efforts by the ministry.

Adelabu however said resistance is normal because when you are trying to reform ‘”people (will) stand in your way, saboteurs and others.”

He said those that want to stop the reform in the power sector tried to bully him to submission, the same way they did to his predecessors, adding that some persons who want to ensure that the ongoing reform in the sector, are the ones sabotaging power infrastructure and platforms.

Under his supervision ,the minister said electricity generation has increase tremendously to over 5000mgw, adding that plan is underway to increase generation of 6000mgw by the end of the year.

He said, “I am the 49th power minister in the country. The past ministers were probably bullied and intimated in their work. It does not take ordinary people to blow up a power transmission substation with dynamites, and pull down a power line.

“It is an organised crime. It is a cabal and cartel. We are all Nigerians but we are all Nigerians, we will not run away from ourselves.

“We have raised the electricity generated capacity from 4,000MW to 5,155MW recorded on the 8th of August, 2024. In the past, it took the country over 25 years to achieve 2,000MW of power and it took between 1984 and today to achieve additional 2,000MW.

“When we resumed as minister, the electricity generated was 4,000MW and within a year, we have added over 1,000MW. Our target is to hit 6,000MW with the support of the Federal Government before the end of this year.”

Legal Luminary, Azinge, Emerges The 14th Asagba Of Asaba

Akinwale Kasali

August 18, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Epiphany Azinge, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has emerged as the Asagba of Asaba – the Paramount Ruler of Asaba, Delta State Capital.

The legal juggernaut and former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, NIALS, was announced by the Asagba-in-Council as the most qualified among the 10 contenders in the race, who hail from Ugbomanta quarters and is to produce the next Asagba after Prof. Chike Edozien, who joined his forebears recently.

The Ochendo Ahaba (Regent), Anthony Edozien, announced the result of the selection process in line with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, applicable to Delta State, on Sunday at the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba at Ezenei quarters, Asaba.

He said: “Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has been selected among 10 contenders after due process.

“He will be coronated in due course.”

Other contenders, apart from Prof. Azinge, were Tony Ogugua Konwea, Prof. Emmanuel Onwuka and Ogbuechi Chinedu Esealuka, among others.

‘You’re A Disgrace’- Amosun Reacts To Utomi’s Allege Contract Violation

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 18, 2024

Ibikunle Amosun, a former Governor of Ogun state has described the allegation of contract breach against him by Prof. Pat Utomi as false.

Recall that Utomi, a former presidential candidate had in the wake of the controversy trailing the seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets in France, over an alleged breach of contract by the Ogun state government with a Chinese company, accused the former governor’s administration of breaching a contract deal with him.

According to Utomi, the state government unjustly terminated a contract it had with him same way it did to the Chinese firm which has now sued the federal government, leading to the seizure of three presidential jets on the order of a court in Paris, France last week.

Reacting Amosun said he tried to assist Utomi even though the said contract was signed under his predecessor, Gbenga Daniel, adding that Utomi was only trying to capitalise on their relationship to hoodwink the state.

Amosun said Utomi was affected by the ‘entitlement mentality’ that both of them had a relationship, saying he refused to be swayed by Utomi’s blackmail.

The former governors’ rebuttal was contained in a statement he issued on Sunday.

Below full text of the statement:

“Before I came into office, the Ogun State House of Assembly had passed a personal non grata on Utomi and put its resolution in the state’s black book,” he said in a statement he issued on Sunday.

“So, I was curious when I became governor and called Utomi to ask what the issue was. This was entirely at my discretion and not because he reached out to me. But I reckoned that as one with some degree of name recognition, that should not be, and I wanted to know what happened.

“He, however, told me, amongst other things, that there was an ongoing construction in an Ogun State property that had become controversial.

“I immediately raised a team for verification and to know what to do. The team I sent said the land was inappropriate because the said construction was being done in the car park of the Ogun property on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Road in Lagos State. My team then suggested somewhere else.

“But he didn’t want another place because, according to him, the place in question gave more visibility. After our in-house assessment, my team concluded he could not have spent more than N35m or at most, N50m on the construction as of then. At that point, I decided to visit myself.

“In addition, it was discovered that the so-called work done was hurriedly executed in the wake of the realisation that another political party had won the governorship election and would take over the reins of leadership in the state.

“It was also obvious that what was being attempted was a move at ambushing the state government under my watch and presenting us with a Fait Accompli, a situation that would have generated a controversy about the demolition of an ongoing project.

“Just so that his investment in the state would not go to waste, I committed to making a refund of N100 million as against his claim of N200 million. He pressured me ceaselessly to pay him N200 million, but I did not yield.

“As part of his determination to sway me, he deployed his Centre for Value in Leadership, CVL, through the instrumentality of an Award. At first, it all looked curious that I’d just been in office for about two years, and here I was being given an award, so I rejected it.

“But he insisted that I honour his CVL SOLUTION CONFERENCE SERIES with my presence, which I did, and I was given a plague for participating. But I did not change my position on the refund of N100 million as against his N200 million claim.

“A few years later, he complained to some people with the sole intent to malign me. When I heard, I called to tell him off because his problem was purely one of entitlement mentality. He even boasted, asking me: ‘Do you know who I am?’ Imagine! But I ignored him because I immediately saw through his true colour. In my book, it’s one law for everyone, no matter who you are.

“I challenge everyone, including journalists, to let us meet at the construction site and see the N200 million investment he claimed to have made there. Let them also ask what benefit the project would have been to Ogun State.

“Nobody can talk me down in order to look good. I served Ogun State passionately with all my strengths, and I did with my shoulders high. I stand by every decision I took, whether or not people like Pat Utomi were in agreement with me.

“Utomi knows his case did not even have any legs to stand on. He is not different from Zhongfu International Investment FXE. He knows he can not lay claims to any lawful damage done to his investment. All he has tried to do is a ‘me too’, which is very disgraceful.”

Kano Govt Vows Justice For Nine-year Girl Raped To Death

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 18, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite some alleged subterranean moves by some forces to twist the facts behind the alleged raping to death of a nine-year old girl by a pharmaceutical shop operator, the Kano State Government has vowed to secure justice for the victim.

Rumaisa Sadiq was, allegedly, raped to death in Jaba area in Fanisau, on the outskirts of Kano metropolis by a pharmaceutical shop operator who was supposed to treat her for a malaria ailment.

Alhaji Sadiq, father of the deceased said he had taken young Rumaiasa to the chemist for malaria treatment ,but unfortunately, she was allegedly converted to a s&x object, a development that resulted in her death.

Although the matter is already a subject of litigation at a Kano High Court, Aisha Lawan Saji, Kano State Commissioner for Women ,Children and Disabled Persons, have alleged that efforts are being made by some elements to twist the facts of the case.

A statement on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from the Ministry, said the Commissioner on a visit to the victim’s family however vowed that the matter will be pursued to its logical conclusion.

She assured that the case will be pursued with vigour, so as to ensure that justice is done to the departed young girl,as well as to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to toe similar line of action.

“Despite moves by some individuals to infuse diverters into the reported case of a fatal rape against nine-year old Rumaisa Sadiq,the Commissioner for Women, Children, and the Disabled ,Hajia Aisha Lawan Saji Rano ,has insisted that there must be justice for the late victim and her family .

Speaking during a condolence visit to the family house of the victim, the Commissioner said there must be justice for the little girl who lost her life simply because someone chose to display his animalistic instinct on her.

“The full and quick dispensation of justice, in this case is necessary to serve as a lesson and deterrence to others like this grown-up person who carried out this merciless act against an innocent nine-year old girl” the statement noted .

The Commissioner, also, promised that the State Government will be monitoring proceedings in the case.

Already, the case according to Nafisa Salisu Ahmad, the founder of an advocacy group, Hadaya Ahmad VVF Aid, that drew attention to the matter, has garnered considerable interest from some human rights organizations.

Kano: Drug Supply Contracts Controversy: Gov Yusuf Orders Immediate Probe

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 18, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The kano State Government has ordered a thorough investigation into an alleged contract award for the supply of drugs across the 44 Local Councils of the State.

This is even as the State authorities have distanced themselves from the purported drug supply contracts.

A viral video by a popular skit maker sparked wide debates concerning the controversial contract, as well as insinuating under hand dealings.

But a statement on Sunday, August 18, 2024, jointly issued by the Commissioner for Information, Baba Haliru Dantiye, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s media aide, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, stated that the Kano state Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission has been directed to launch a probe to ascertain the status of the said contract.

The Commission’s findings, the statement added, are to be submitted, for further necessary actions.

“Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has denied any knowledge of the contract said to have been recently awarded for the supply of drugs to the 44 Local Government Councils of the State.

The Governor directed the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission PCACC to investigate that allegations immediately and report the outcome for further action .” the statement reads.

Governor Yusuf has, however, appealed to the people to exercise patience while awaiting the outcome of the inquest.

Ondo: PDP, APC Weigh Benefits Of Mimiko’s Defection

Ayodele Oni

August 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The defection of the former Governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his followers, among whom are former political office holders in his administration is causing rumpus within the two political parties in the state.

Mimiko had led his associates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the governorship election slated for November.

The PDP in the state in a reaction stated that the associates of former Governor Mimiko who defected to the APC last week cannot enhance the chances of the ruling party and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the November 16 gubernatorial election in the state.

However, the state chapter of the ruling party said the defection of the former PDP chieftains would ensure its “unprecedented landslide victory” in the forthcoming election.

Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, PDP publicity secretary, pointed out that there was nothing to celebrate in the defection of Mimiko’s allies to the APC.

Peretei noted that the political class was “a negligible fraction of the voting public.

“The electorate who had been pauperized and taken for granted over the years are wiser now. For a place like Ondo State with very enlightened minds, politicians can defect to wherever they want.

“When the election comes, the people will have to choose between their oppressors and those who wish to bring liberation. More importantly, while some of these defectors have never contested any elections before, others are serial election losers.

“So, how can they help an Aiyedatiwa to win in November? This is the flip side of the celebration about the defections.”

In its response, the APC in Ondo state said the decamping of the Mimiko’s associates had signalled the final burial of the opposition party in the state.

A statement by Alex Kalejaye, APC Publicity Secretary, on Sunday, August, 18, 2024, said: “In the absence of a viable opposition in Ondo State political space, the Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, will enjoy an easy victory at the governorship election in November.

“The unprecedented landslide victory would be aided by the political giants that recently defected to the ruling party from the disabled People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“The struggling main opposition party should have done all it takes to stop the defection of the experienced political players, including former governor, former federal lawmakers, former speaker of the House of Assembly, among others. PDP loss, is APC gain.

“Attempts by the aggrieved party to denounce and deny the political influence and relevance of these notable gladiators are understandably borne out of glaring frustration.

“In expressing such frustrations, APC cautioned that a sitting governor deserves some level of respect, and called on party spokesmen to be more cultured in their choice of words while addressing the Chief Executive Officer of a State.

“The people of Ondo State are convinced that the defectors are successful leaders, in and outside politics, and are only concerned about the speedy development of the Sunshine State, which Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, symbolises.

“The APC-led government, under the new dispensation, has nibbed in the bud the era of indiscriminate borrowing to finance government operations. Instead, it has introduced measures to ensure that the state operates within it’s means, and keeps for the raining day.

“The policy of conservation, notwithstanding, work is in progress on some roads, like Oda and Ijoka, while government agents are finalising a review of stalled contracts with contractors.

“The government has further conceived projects, which would have direct impacts on the rural areas, that will soon be awarded to credible and qualified contractors for timely execution.

“The State chapter commended the Governor for prioritising welfare of the senior citizens, besides prompt payment of salaries and emoluments.

“The party observed that the beauty of serving a system meritoriously is the assurance that the system will support when age beckons, and strength depletes.

“It is our sincere expectation that the senior citizens and their entire family will reciprocate the unprecedented gesture during the election.”

Ganduje, Uzodinma Presidential Posters, Handiwork Of Mischief Makers – APC National Chairman

Ayodele Oni

August 18, 2024

Ganduje abd Uzodinma Presidential Posters,

By Ayodele Oni

A former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has identified those behind emergence of his campaign posters ahead of 2027 presidential campaign.

The posters, which are reportedly seen at conspicuous places in Abuja as well as on social media, showed Ganduje being paired with Imo State Governor Hope Nzodinma.

Ganduje, who is acting national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the poster as the handiwork of mischief makers working in collaboration with elements of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

He claimed that their plan is to cause disaffection between him and President Bola Tinubu by circulating 2027 presidential posters of himself and Governor Uzodinma as running mate.

The posters which have the slogan, ‘For Nigerians, prosperity and human capital development’ also indicated that the two political gladiators would contest the 2027 election on the platform of the APC.

Ganduje who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu on the poster in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, described the development as “entirely false and a malicious piece of fake news.”

The statement reads, “This is to inform the general public that the posters currently circulating on social media, claiming that the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is contesting for the presidency in 2027 with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as his running mate, is entirely false and a malicious piece of fake news.

“We urge the public to disregard this fabricated story and refrain from spreading unverified information.”

Tension, Anxiety As Abia Govt Begins Demolition Of Structures On Illegally Acquired Public Schools’ Land

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 18, 2024

Demolition Of Structures On Illegally Acquired Public Schools Land in Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Palpable anxiety, apprehension, and fear have gripped allottees and beneficiaries of lands and other properties belonging to public schools and other institutions in Abia State.

At the weekend, the State authorities commenced moves to recover the lost assets, with the demolition of structures erected on the encroached lands at the famous Government College Umuahia.

Rising from an Executive Council Meeting on August ,5, 2024, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kalu said that a Committee has been set up to supervise the process of recovering lands that were illegally collected from over 180 public schools across the State by the previous administration.

The Source reports that the immediate past Government had allotted a large chunk of land belonging to some public educational institutions in the State to private individuals, mostly political cronies ,friends family members,and some faith-based organizations.

Similarly, most of the beneficiaries have gone ahead to erect varying structures, ranging from residential buildings, business outlets, to Worship Centres, not minding public outcry.

Prince Kalu had warned that the State Government will not condone the mindless appropriation of public lands and other assets by unscrupulous elements.

He noted that some individuals have developed the penchant for unbridled greed and display of impunity in illegally appropriating the common wealth .

The recovery Committee which include some key members of the State Executive Council is headed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.

Kingsley Agomuo, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, who is also, a member of the recovery committee said the demolition at the College will serve as a warning to trespassers, that it will not be business as usual.

He noted that the area being demolished belong to the Government College Umuahia.

According to him, the Abia State Government gave the areas to the College Old Boys Association with a Certificate of Occupancy .

The UCDA boss expressed regret that despite clear evidence that the land belongs to public institution, some people still went ahead to partition and sell them.

He cautioned prospective land buyers to always carry out due enquiries before engaging in any transactions.

He informed that the demolition exercise was preceded by required notices to the occupants, adding that any structures still standing within the area after the exercise belong to Government College Umuahia .

Chairman of the host community, Friday Ohaeri, explained that the encroached lands were freely donated by their forebears to the progenitors of the College at its formative stage in the 1920s

The Source reports that most of the occupants of the encroached land are insisting that they acquired the property through the Umunna Community of Ndume Ibeku ,the host community of the College.

But Ohaeri, the Chairman of the Ummuna community, maintained that the occupants were only goaded by selfish interests,as the transactions were never, and still not known to the Umunna community.

An official of the Old Boys Association Eze Justice Chinonyerem Uwaga, noted that the encroached land used to serve as the College’s farm land .

Eze Uwaga, who is the second National Vice president of the College Old Boys Association, also informed that all past efforts to get the illegal occupants to quit proved futile.

The Source gathered that the Government College demolition exercise has evoked serious fears among other occupants of lands belonging to public schools across the state

Before ,the College demolition exercise, most of the beneficiaries of the partitioned school lands had dismissed the threat by the Government to recover the lands .

Even with the constitution of the recovery committee, most of the allottees never blinked, as they believed that the entire exercise will naturally fizzle out.

But ,it is now obvious that real danger looms, particularly for the Aba axis allottees who have built multi million naira business outfits and other structures on the encroached lands.

Imo Govt Goes Tough On Tax Evaders, Seal Defaulting Hotels In Owerri

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 18, 2024

Imo State Board of Internal Revenue Services seal Hotels

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Acting Chairman of the Imo State Board of Internal Revenue Services IIRS, Remigius Okoye, has insisted that clamping down on some hotels and other tax defaulting outfits in the State ,remain the only option left.

The Source reports that at the weekend, about eight high profile hotels and other business concerns within the Owerri metropolis were sealed for alleged failure of their managements to honour their statutory tax/rents obligations to the State .

The hotels that fell under the hammer of the State’s revenue collection agency include Hotel Arizona, Benconn Hotels Zeeworld Hotels and Zoey Ibis Royale .

Others were Lavianto Hotel ,Titanic View Hotel and suites and Heroes Luxury Apartment.

Owerri, the Imo State capital, is famous, particularly in the South East region, for playing host to several Middle and high brow hotels and others within the hospitality industry chain.

A substantial part of its annual Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, is derived from its robust hospitality industry.

Okoye, the IIRS Chief, said the hotels and other business premises that were sealed during its operations failed to pay their taxes, despite given enough room and notices.

He described the actions of the hoteliers and other defaulters as inimical to the economic health of the state.

According to the IIRS Chairman ,before the debt management and enforcement team moved into action, several letters of reminder and warnings were served on the defaulters.

He warned that the revenue collection agency is poised to enforce strict adherence to the payments of all Government statutory rents/ taxes.

Okoye maintained that the ongoing enforcement will not seize until maximum compliance level in tax collection is achieved.

While urging all taxable individuals and entities to be alive to their civic responsibilities, the IIRS boss also noted that the enforcement is aimed at shoring up the internally generated revenue profile of the state for the purpose of effective service delivery by the Government.

“The IIRS warns that any establishment found to be evading payments of taxes will face severe sanctions, including sealing of business premises and prosecution. Okoye”, stated.

Police Moves To Free Abducted Medical Students

Ayodele Oni

August 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered immediate deployment of extensive human and technical resources to bolster the efforts of the Benue State Command to set free abducted 20 medical students in Otukpo, Benue state.

He condemned the kidnapping of 20 medical students in Otukpo, Benue State on Thursday.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, force PRO disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The students were en route to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu when they were abducted.

Describing the act as appalling, callous, and utterly unacceptable, the IGP assured the public of the police force’s full commitment to their safe rescue.

“This includes the mobilization of additional tactical units from the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) and the Force Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

“Advanced helicopters, drones, and specialized tactical vehicles have also been deployed to facilitate a thorough search and ensure the swift rescue of the abducted students.

“The Nigeria Police Force stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”

The IGP emphasized the determination of the force to exhaust every possible means in the pursuit of the perpetrators and to continue the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.

Egbetokun appealed to the general public for assistance, urging anyone with useful information or actionable intelligence to come forward.

“Individuals are encouraged to contact the nearest police station, the state command control number, or the Force Headquarters via [email protected] and other helplines.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians and will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and the rule of law across the country.”

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