The NERC’s decision to adjust tariffs underscores the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector. With ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the issue, the path forward remains uncertain, as stakeholders continue to advocate for a fair and sustainable solution to the country’s electricity woes.
News
Police nail IPOB as killers of Ahmed Gulak
- Count us out, says IPOB
The police in Imo State have said killers of Ahmed Gulak, a former political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, are members of the secessionist group, IPOB, and its security arm, ESN.
Gulak was shot dead in Owerri, Imo State, on Sunday morning, while on his way to Sam Mbakwe Airport for his flight.
The police in a statement issued on Sunday night said Gulak’s killers were traced to their location within Imo on Sunday where they were shot dead during a gun battle with police operatives.
The police spokesperson in Imo, Bala Elkana, said in the statement, “The six hoodlums who carried out the killings and four other members of their gang were fatally injured.
“The assailants were identified as members of the proscribed IPOB and ESN.”
He added, “The driver who drove late Ahmed Gulak and a co-victim who survived have all identified the dead body of the IPOB/ESM members positively as their attackers and also identified the three vehicles recovered as those used by the attackers.”
The police said three AK 47 rifles, one pistol, five AK-47 magazines with 92 rounds of live ammunition and charms were recovered from the suspects.
But IPOB said it did not kill Gulak, stressing that he was not a threat to the Biafra agitation and stressed the group was not a terrorist network, so had no reason to assassinate the ex-Presidential aide.
Reacting on Sunday, the Nnamdi Kanu-led Biafra secessionist group said, “The attention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the untenable allegation by the security agencies that IPOB was responsible for the assassination of former presidential aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak on his way to Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri Imo State.
“We therefore state without equivocation that IPOB knows nothing about the said assassination. In the first place, what threat did the late Gulak constitute to our cause to warrant his elimination? We had nothing in common with him and could not have in any way killed him.
“Pointing accusing fingers at IPOB for this barbaric act is only meant to divert attention away from the real masterminds. This is the same way terrorists in security uniform commit various atrocities in South-East and turn around to blame IPOB for their crimes just to tarnish our global reputation.
“This is purely a smokescreen to justify their long awaited plan to declare another special military operation in the Eastern region to kill more innocent Biafrans.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has described the killing of the chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Gulak, as heinous.
The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, vowed to use all resources at his disposal to ensure Gulak’s killers are brought to justice.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed outrage and disgust over what he called ‘the heinous murder’ of Adamawa politician Ahmed Gulak in Owerri, Imo State by yet to be identified gunmen.
“Reacting to the development on Sunday, the President said: “I’m repulsed by such premeditated and gruesome murder of Gulak by evil people who are determined to undermine the peace, unity and territorial integrity of our country.
“Let me warn however that nobody or group of people who engages in such despicable acts should expect to go free. We will deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure that such callous and criminal elements are brought to justice.
“Finally, President Buhari expressed his “deep condolences to the family of the deceased, the people and government of Adamawa State as well as his friends and associates all over the country.”
News
Why Atiku is afraid of the coastal highway project success – Presidency
Why Atiku is afraid of the coastal highway project success – Presidency
The presidency announced yesterday that Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the last election, is opposed to the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway because it will end his presidential campaign in 2027.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, “If not blinded by political ill-will, Atiku knows that the right thing for him to do is to applaud President Bola Tinubu for the ambitious and audacious Lagos-Calabar Highway, which the Federal Executive Council authorised.”
In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku accused President Tinubu of a conflict of interest in awarding the project to Hitech, a company owned by his business partner, the Chagoury family.
The former vice president also revealed that Seyi Tinubu is a board member of one of the companies owned by Chagoury family, saying that demolishing structures to give way for the coastal highway will impede foreign direct investment into the country.
READ ALSO:
- Depressed Delta lady kills self over hardship
- CBN directs banks to start deducting cybersecurity levies from customers
- Olise scores twice as Crystal Palace trash Manchester United
But reacting to Atiku’s statement, Onanuga said there was no conflict of interest anywhere. Seyi Tinubu is an adult and can conduct his lawful business anywhere in the country or elsewhere.
The special adviser also explained that the statement credited to Atiku that Nigeria is now the fourth economy in Africa was no longer news but added quickly that the country would soon bounce back to become the first economy in the continent.
He said: “Atiku has been waging an unrelenting war against this all-important and transformative project for no justifiable reasons other than bad politics.
“Atiku knows that its grand success and other projects to be unfurled, such as the Badagry-Sokoto superhighway, will be a major boost for President Tinubu and finally upend his perennial presidential ambition.”
He also said that the IMF’s reclassification of the Nigerian economy as the fourth largest in Africa is stale news. This happened because of the devaluation of the naira and President Tinubu’s determined effort to set the economy on sustainable growth.
“Under President Tinubu’s progressive, bold, inventive, and innovative leadership, Nigeria will bounce back to where it rightfully belongs as Africa’s largest market and biggest economy.”
Why Atiku is afraid of the coastal highway project success – Presidency
News
Electricity customers insist on reversal of tariff increase, scorn reduction
Electricity customers insist on reversal of tariff increase, scorn reduction
Nigerians across various sectors have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) decision to reduce the tariff payable by Band A customers. Despite the reduction from N225/kWh to N206.8/kWh, stakeholders including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, electricity consumers, and civil society organizations are calling for a complete reversal to the subsidy era tariff.
The initial tariff hike, implemented just 33 days prior, saw a staggering 240 per cent increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers. This move, which withdrew subsidies completely from Band A consumers, was met with widespread criticism and opposition from various quarters.
While the Federal Government cited potential savings of N1.5tn as justification for the tariff adjustment, concerns have been raised about the impact on consumers, particularly the financially vulnerable. The House of Representatives, organized labor, and the Nigerian Bar Association have all condemned the hike, with calls for its suspension and reversal.
READ ALSO:
- Chinese state linked to hacking of UK Defence Ministry
- Terrorists attack Southern Kaduna again, kill six, injure eight
- Court rules against wife who sued husband for forced ‘unnatural sex’
Defending the increase, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu warned of a nationwide blackout within three months if the tariff hike was not implemented. Despite opposition, government spokesperson Florence Eke asserted that the tariff adjustment would remain in place.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the NERC announced an eight per cent reduction in tariffs for Band A customers, attributing the decision to changes in macroeconomic indices, particularly the appreciation of the naira against the dollar. Following the NERC’s directive, several electricity distribution companies (Discos), including Abuja, Ikeja, and Ibadan, promptly announced the implementation of the tariff reduction.
While the reduction may provide some relief to consumers, stakeholders remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for broader reforms in the energy sector. Critics argue that mere tariff reductions do not address fundamental issues such as inadequate fuel supply and the overall inefficiency of the electricity supply system.
News
Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
In an unexpected turn of events, the Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has suspended Vice-Chancellor Augustine Angba on allegations of severe misconduct.
The decision was reached at a meeting of the Governing Council on Monday, May 6, 2024, where they resolved to release Angba of his duties with immediate effect.
The council has nominated Professor Stephen Oshang of the Faculty of Agriculture to serve as the interim Vice-Chancellor until further notice.
The suspension comes on the heels of a vote-of-no-confidence passed by some staff members of the university on January 17, 2024.
READ ALSO:
- Lagos to experience morning, afternoon thunderstorms for 3 days
- Your position on state police unacceptable, Lagos Assembly tells IGP
- Fubara blasts Rivers lawmakers: You only exist because I recognise you
The staff, who were protesting the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears, had carried placards with slogans like “This Management and the VC must go” and “We don’t want them any longer.”
Angba had previously criticized the staff unions, claiming that four members had hijacked the union and incited others to protest on the streets.
However, the Governing Council’s decision suggests that they found merit in the allegations against the embattled Vice-Chancellor.
Despite several attempts, Vanguard efforts to reach the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Onen Onen, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful, as his phone line was not answered at the time of filing this report.
Similarly, Professor Angba’s phone line was busy when contacted.
Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
(Vanguard)
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Nollywood veteran Shan George weeps as fraudster clears ₦3.6m from her account (VIDEO)
-
International2 days ago
Gaza: Thousands rally for hostage deal as ceasefire talks continue
-
metro2 days ago
DSS seals Plateau clinic over patient’s death
-
Politics2 days ago
PDP: Sule Lamido blames court for mass resignation from party
-
News3 days ago
Updated: NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, hoarding, marketers disagree
-
International9 hours ago
Netanyahu rubbishes Hamas ceasefire proposal
-
Opinion2 days ago
Who has bewitched our beloved America? – Femi Fani-Kayode
-
Sports2 days ago
Ronaldo’s hat-trick leads Al Nassr to 6-0 victory over Al Wehda