I never ordered military to kill Igbos in Oyigbo – WIKE - Newstrends
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I never ordered military to kill Igbos in Oyigbo – WIKE

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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has refuted the allegation that he ordered the Nigerian Army to kill Igbos in Oyigbo Local Government Area.

He said the allegation was a politically motivated falsehood.

He maintained that curfew was imposed in Oyigbo to restore calm after members of proscribed Indigenous Peoples Organisations of Biafra (IPOB) killed six soldiers, four policemen and destroyed all police stations and court buildings there.

Governor Wike gave the explanation on a live television programme in Port Harcourt on Monday.

He said the narrative that Igbos were being killed by the military is intended to shift attention from the despicable activities of IPOB in Oyigbo, which is a boundary area adjoining Abia State.

“I know that this is not the first time, IPOB has used Oyigbo as launching ground. The security agencies are aware. IPOB added a new dimension this time. They killed six army officers and burnt one. They killed four Police Officers. They destroyed all the Police Stations and Court Buildings. What offense did we commit as a state?

“I imposed curfew to restore calm. I proscribed IPOB activities anywhere in the state. Don’t forget that the Federal Government had declared them a terrorist group. It is not the entire Igbos that believes in IPOB activities.

“So, it’s not true that I order the military to kill Igbos in Oyigbo. When did I become a friend to the military? So what about the Igbos living elsewhere in the state are they also being killed?”

He further said, “I have no relationship with the army or the police, I do not command them. They change Commissioner of Police every time. How will I begin to direct the Army that I do not give instruction”?

The governor bemoaned IPOB’s effrontery to rename a local government in the State and hoist its flag in a public school in Komkom Town.

“I will not fold my arms and watch criminals destroy my state, if those few criminals are Igbos then they should know that I will not allow them. They made attempt to rename a local government in my state. That alone is a signal. I will not agree to that. I know who is doing all these; who has told them to rise, protest against Wike.”

The governor stated that the State government has no regret against its stance on IPOB, already designated as a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government. According to him, even the South-East Governors have never supported IPOB and wondered why a governor from the Niger Delta should tolerate the group.

He revealed that security agencies during their search of some residents in Oyigbo, saw shrines with IPOB flags and Nnamdi Kanu’s picture. He maintained that if IPOB is allowed to operate from Oyigbo, they will soon overrun the State.

The governor said the government has commenced moves to replace all the property destroyed by the group during the protest, regretting that the damage have left huge financial burden on the state. In addition, he said the State has decided to compensate each family of the killed security personnel with N20 million to cater to for the welfare of the bereaved widows and their children.

He further said that the EndSARS protest and its aftermath would have been averted if the Federal Government had not dismissed the alarmed he earlier raised on the activities of SARS to mere politics.

“These loses of the aftermath of the protest are unfortunate. Recall that we started the cry against operations of SARS. We asked for reform. But they politicised the issue because they use it to kill and intimidate us.

“Here, the minister always used SARS to cause mayhem under the leadership of Akin Fakorede. We suffered a great deal. At a time, the entire National Assembly Election was cancelled. But we put faith in God who owns the state. We triumphed eventually,” he said.

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FG Boosts Power Generation to 4,300MW in Two Weeks — Adelabu

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Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu

FG Boosts Power Generation to 4,300MW in Two Weeks — Adelabu

The Federal Government has said it is beginning to deliver on its promise to improve electricity supply, with power generation rising within a two-week period following recent disruptions in the sector.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had earlier assured Nigerians during a media parley in Abuja that urgent steps would be taken to address the drop in generation caused by gas shortages affecting thermal power plants.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the government said electricity generation improved between March 28 and April 10, 2026, reflecting what it described as a gradual recovery in the sector.

According to the statement, generation increased from about 3,951 megawatts (MW) on March 28 to over 4,300MW by April 10, signalling a steady upward trend in output.

The improvement, Tunji noted, was largely driven by increased gas supply to power plants, which rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same period.

He explained that the gains align with Adelabu’s earlier pledge at the Power Sector Working Group meeting, where he assured stakeholders that electricity supply would improve within two weeks.

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Further data showed that mechanical availability of power plants remained stable, peaking at over 7,796MW in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to more than 4,694MW—an indication of improved efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.

“Despite minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” the statement said.

The minister’s aide emphasised that the strong link between gas supply and electricity generation highlights the need for sustained reforms in Nigeria’s gas-to-power value chain, given the country’s heavy dependence on thermal generation.

To consolidate the gains, Adelabu recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee tasked with improving coordination between gas producers and power generation companies, ensuring real-time monitoring, and addressing bottlenecks in gas delivery.

“The committee is expected to enhance synergy across the value chain and ultimately guarantee a more stable and reliable electricity supply,” Tunji said.

The Federal Government’s intervention comes amid persistent challenges in the power sector, including transmission constraints, ageing infrastructure, and liquidity issues in the electricity market, which have continued to affect the translation of generated power into stable supply for consumers.

Industry data indicates that while generation has improved modestly, Nigeria still struggles to consistently deliver more than 4,000MW to a population of over 200 million, underscoring the scale of the country’s electricity deficit.

Experts have also pointed out that improvements in generation must be matched by upgrades in transmission capacity—currently managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria—and better distribution efficiency by electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to ensure consumers feel the impact.

Adelabu, however, maintained that the government remains committed to sustaining and improving the gains recorded so far.

“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements,” he said, adding that ongoing reforms would gradually stabilise Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.

FG Boosts Power Generation to 4,300MW in Two Weeks — Adelabu

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World Bank Deletes Nigeria Development Update Report Days After Release

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World Bank

World Bank Deletes Nigeria Development Update Report Days After Release

The World Bank has removed its latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report from its official website, just three days after its publication, raising concerns over the reasons behind the sudden action.

The report, titled “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development,” was released on April 7, 2026, but the document link is no longer accessible, returning a “page not found” error when users attempt to download it.

Despite the removal, the accompanying press statement remains available, outlining key findings on Nigeria’s economic performance and policy outlook.

In the now-withdrawn report, the World Bank said Nigeria’s economy recorded 4 percent growth in 2025, with inflation dropping significantly to 15.1 percent in February 2026 from 26.3 percent recorded in the same period a year earlier. The improvement was attributed to tighter monetary policies and better food supply conditions.

The report also highlighted that Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment has strengthened following recent stabilisation reforms, noting improvements in key indicators and steady expansion across major sectors of the economy.

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Early data for 2026, according to the report, suggested that growth momentum had been sustained, although global tensions posed a mild drag on economic activity.

A major focus of the publication was early childhood development, which the World Bank described as critical to Nigeria’s long-term growth. It stressed that stronger investment in human capital is essential for translating macroeconomic gains into job creation, poverty reduction, and improved living standards.

The report painted a worrying picture of child welfare in the country, revealing that more than 110 out of every 1,000 children die before the age of five, while many others fail to meet basic developmental milestones due to poor nutrition, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate early education.

It warned that without urgent intervention, Nigeria risks missing out on the demographic dividend expected from its young population.

In addition, the report reportedly addressed ongoing structural reforms, including exchange rate unification, fiscal adjustments, and subsidy removals, noting that while these measures have helped stabilise the economy, their full benefits will depend on sustained implementation and targeted social support for vulnerable households.

However, parts of the report—particularly policy recommendations around the downstream petroleum sector—have drawn attention. The World Bank was said to have advised that Nigeria may need to continue importing petrol (PMS) in the short term to ensure supply stability while transitioning to a fully liberalised and competitive market.

The recommendation comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and has been viewed by some analysts as sensitive, given the country’s push for domestic refining capacity.

In a subsequent clarification following reactions, the World Bank emphasised that its recommendations should be seen within the broader context of energy security, market stability, and global supply uncertainties, rather than as a fixed policy directive.

The NDU is a bi-annual flagship report that evaluates Nigeria’s economic and social developments and provides policy guidance for sustainable growth.

As of the time of filing this report, the World Bank has not issued an official explanation for the removal of the April 2026 edition, fuelling speculation that the document may be undergoing revisions or internal review.

Economists say the development highlights the sensitivity of reform-related recommendations in Nigeria’s current economic climate, particularly those touching on fuel policy and social welfare, as the country navigates a delicate recovery path.

World Bank Deletes Nigeria Development Update Report Days After Release

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Tinubu Promises Stable Electricity as Bayelsa Unveils 60MW Power Project

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Bayelsa Unveils 60MW Power Project

Tinubu Promises Stable Electricity as Bayelsa Unveils 60MW Power Project

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering stable electricity capable of driving economic growth, industrialisation, and national development, saying ongoing reforms in the power sector will soon yield tangible results.

Tinubu made the remarks in Bayelsa State during the commissioning of major infrastructure projects executed by the state government, including a 60-megawatt Independent Power Project (IPP) located at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area.

He described the power project as a “significant step” toward strengthening energy security and subnational electricity generation, noting that no meaningful industrialisation or job creation can happen without reliable power supply.

“There can be no industrialisation, skill development and empowerment without power. I assure Nigerians that we will have electricity to power our growth,” the President said.

The IPP, powered by gas turbines, is expected to supply electricity to Yenagoa and surrounding communities, reducing dependence on the national grid and improving power reliability for households and businesses.

Alongside the power project, Tinubu also commissioned several key infrastructure projects, including the 27-kilometre dualised New Yenagoa City Road 1, the 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, and the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road, all aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activity across Bayelsa State.

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He praised the state government led by Governor Douye Diri for what he described as “purposeful and progressive leadership,” adding that collaboration between federal and state governments remains essential for sustainable development.

“Development advances further and faster when the federal and state governments work in partnership toward a shared purpose,” Tinubu said.

The President also used the occasion to observe a minute’s silence in honour of soldiers killed in a recent terrorist attack on a military base in Borno State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry across the country.

“We will continue to equip and train our armed forces. We will defeat terrorism and banditry, regardless of their shenanigans,” he assured.

Tinubu further acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians, including rising living costs linked to global energy disruptions, but insisted that government interventions are being implemented to ease hardship and support vulnerable citizens.

“We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable. This is a government that cares,” he said.

At the event, Tinubu also commended former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as “one of the most humble and reliable democrats on the continent,” while praising ongoing development efforts in Bayelsa State.

Governor Diri, in his remarks, appealed for federal refunds on projects executed on federal roads by the state government and highlighted ongoing infrastructure efforts under his “Assured Prosperity” agenda, including roads, bridges, civic buildings, and sports facilities.

He described the newly commissioned Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie road as a transformative project that has ended years of isolation for several riverine communities in Southern Ijaw.

The Bayelsa IPP is expected to enhance power supply stability, attract investment, support SMEs, and stimulate economic diversification in the oil-rich state.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several top political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors from multiple states, senior federal officials, and traditional leaders, reflecting the national significance of the projects.

Residents reportedly thronged the project sites in celebration, cheering and dancing as the President arrived at the Bayelsa International Airport aboard the presidential jet.

Tinubu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying: “Nigeria will be great, and we will succeed.”

Tinubu Promises Stable Electricity as Bayelsa Unveils 60MW Power Project

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