Author: Our Correspondent

From Rhoda Godwin ,Yenagoa

Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company, announced that power will be restored within 48 hours in Bayelsa State.

During a briefing in Yenagoa, he explained that the delay is due to challenges on the transmission line between Ahoada and Yenagoa, which the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is currently addressing.

Nigerian pilot report that, some feeders are facing issues, parts of Yenagoa are expected to be reconnected soon.

Kemenanabo said, “as at this morning, we have a challenge on the line between Ahoada and Yenagoa and the TCN officials are patrolling the line. Once that is done, the Yenagoa tier will be energized.

“We have about Seven Feeders going out of the Yenagoa transmission station and a few of them have some challenges, and therefore, all of them may not come up at the same time.

“If the reports I have were anything to go by, in the next 48 hours, parts of Yenagoa will be on the grid.”

The Information Commissioner urged residents to be patient as efforts continue to repair over 250 vandalized transformers in the area.

By Joyce Babayeju

The Enugu State Government and WANDE NEXUS, an Austrian firm, have formalised an agreement to implement the Sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project in Enugu.

With the signing, which took place on Monday at Government House, Enugu, in the presence of the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger, WANDE Nexus is to inject $100 million as Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, to modernise water infrastructure, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all households in Enugu City.

Speaking, Governor Peter Mbah described the signing as an example of the relationship that could exist between a sub-sovereign and a sovereign, and a major step to getting water to the last mile in Enugu City.

“We now have an investment of $100 million to deal decisively with the last mile connection, the downstream part of our water system. This huge sum shows that the economic reforms of the Federal Government and our effort to position Enugu as the premier destination for investment are yielding results because this is a major FDI, not just for us as a state, but even as a country.

“For the record, this is not a case where we are just signing an agreement that is exploratory. This is an agreement we signed today for the funds to begin to flow. This is a discussion that started eight months ago. From signing an MoU, to Terms Sheet, to getting a Concession Agreement, today we are signing the final agreement and we expect that the investment funds will start to flow immediately, as they should have started with the connectivity to the last mile, and the procurement of the metres will commence,” he said.

The governor explained that while the administration had been able to increase water production from an occasional 2 million litres to 120 million litres, the biggest challenge was in expanding the network and connecting the tertiary pipelines to the various homes. He, however, noted that with the signing of the FDI agreement, the problem would become a thing of the past.

“This is purely an investment of $100m being injected in our downstream water sector and we have the responsibility, as a state government, to continue to manage the upstream sector. If you look at our budget for 2025, there is fund slated for water, and that is essentially to increasse our water production capacity. The volume will grow from 120 million litres of water per day to 200 million litres per day.

In his address, Ambassador Schlesinger said the investment had the strong backing of the Austrian Government, and commended Governor Mbah for building the necessary international relationships and showing a strong commitment to making life better for his people.

“I wish to laud His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah for his vision to transform the water management systems for Enugu City, with its ultimate goal to ensuring equitable access to clean water.

“Governor Mbah is a great friend of Austria. He has visited Vienna twice, where he met with ministers, international organisations and the business community; and he is a very active supporter of Austrian companies in Enugu.

“This investment in the amount of $100 million is, therefore, a testimony of his excellent work and his vision for Enugu State,” he said.

He equally expressed strong confidence in the capacity of the Chairman of WANDE Nexus Group, Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, to lead the transformation of the downstream water sector.

“In order to implement such a plan as the governor has, you need strong leadership at the top of the project, represented by Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, the Chairman of WANDE NEXUS. He spent more than 20 years in Austria, where he played key roles in international organisations, addressing critical infrastructure and sustainability challenges, as enshrined in another Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations,” he stated.

Earlier in his address, Dr. Ugbor said that he and the rest of Austrian investors were encouraged into the venture by the speedily improving ease of doing business, conducive investment environment, and trustworthiness exhibited by the Mbah administration, adding that the company would deliver on expectations, create 500 direct jobs for a start, build human capital in modern water management, and also directly improve health and economic opportunities in Enugu State.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

Mrs Edith .C.Thomas, wife of the Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Charles Kurobo has cried out over the alleged forcefully abduction of her husband last week by armed men in Bayelsa State.

According to her, her husband was forcefully taken from their home located along Opolo road close to Saipen by armed policemen and personnel of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps in a long vehicle convoy numbering 15 at about 12 am on the 19th of November, 2024.

Charles Kurubo, who was a former Aide to Governor Douye Diri and Chairman, Niger Delta Ex-agitators’ Leadership Forum, Second Phase, Bayelsa State chapter, is a known fierce critics of the management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the handling of the Pipeline Surveillance Contracts being handled by the Tantita Security Company owned by the Former Militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo.

Mrs Edith C. Thomas, who spoke with newsmen in tears, pleaded with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri to save the life of her husband by launching a quick investigation into the person’s behind his abduction and rescue him.

She said “around midnight on Tuesday, 19th of November, our sleep was chattered with sounds of gun shots and shouts for my husband to come out. We were gripped with fear and to save our lives, he surrendered.”

” Looking from our shattered window, we saw that those that came were dressed in police uniforms and vest. Some were putting on civil defence uniforms. The vehicles were many and close to Fifteen. It looks like a total invasion.”

She however said when the family rushed to the headquarters of the Bayelsa State Police command, so seek reason why Charles Kurubo was arrested, ” we were told he was not in their custody and that they were not involved in the operation.”

She pointed out that several visits to the Police and the Department of State Security yielded no result as they denied knowledge of his arrest,” our fears is that he may be harmed.”

She pleaded with the Nigerian Police and the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri to assist in searching for the whereabouts of the bread winner of their family, “the Police and Gov. Diri are the only hope I have to find my husband. Please help us before something bad is done to him.”

Already , a group, the Niger Delta Conscientious Alliance (NDCA) has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, the Office of the Prosecutor-International Criminal Court (ICC), the United Nations Secretary General, President of the European Union Parliament, President of the African Union, ECOWAS Secretary General, the South African President , the Canadian Prime Minister, the President of France, the United States Secretary of State, and many others over alleged flagrant human Rights abuse, mysterious illegal arrest and detention of hundreds of youths in the Niger Delta region.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

Angry Ex-militant leaders from different camps in Bayelsa State, on Monday morning shut down United Bank of Africa, UBA, Onopa branch in Yenagoa, the state capital, over alleged fraud and unauthorized freezing of Mr. Passman Akpo’s account, Secretary of the phase 11 of the presidential amnesty programme, Bayelsa State.

The protesters who were armed with placards, of various inscriptions such as “Stop the fraud, unfreeze Akpos account, Federal High Court didn’t issue any order restricting his account, Motion on Notice isn’t a court order” among others, crippled economic activities in the bank leaving customers stranded for hours.

The protest, according to the Secretary, Second phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Hon. Okegbe Owei Brisibe, “Our reasons of protest here this morning is a legitimate one and we will do everything within the ambit of the law to achieve our aim.

Brisibe said, “There was a magistrate court order vacating a an earlier claim by a member, but instead of them to go through the process of court, they went to obtain a motion on notice to freeze another members account, which we believe is illegal”

There was no order freezing his account because we have asked and nobody is bringing that forth, one Mr. Peter Edafe, the customer Service Manager is the mastermind of this act, and we will not accept it.

The defendant, Mr. Passman Akpos, while speaking with journalist, explained that a fellow obtained a motion on notice and gave to the bank which led to restricting his account from operations.

Akpos added “This is an illegality of the highest order, how can a bank based on a motion of notice freeze my account? We are protesting because it wasn’t an order, and the right thing must be done.

They are a lot of Ex-Agitators who needs to get their stipends, and they are holding their monies down. We won’t have bordered to protest if it was a court order but this is illegal and I won’t accept it.This is a conspiracy between the bank and one of their customers who seek to block my account on baseless issues.

They have pleaded that we give them sometime to sort out the issues and unfreeze my account, so disbursement can be done to others and we won’t leave the bank till it is done, he added.

Another leader, Commander Isreal Claudius, noted that the bank has resolved to unfreeze the account and the matter resolved amicably, adding that the disbursement to other members will take effect soonest.

He maintained that they didn’t take laws into our hands, a d that the security agents that came around has pleaded and they have cooperated but if not done at the time given they will have to let them bear the consequences of their illegal action.

Efforts by our correspondent to hear from the manager of the branch, proved abortive, as he said that he was new in the branch and won’t talk on the matter, rather they are working to get it resolved in no distance time.

As at the time of filing this report, business activities had gradually returned back to the affected branch.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

In what could be described as partial strike called upon by Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) over alleged minimum wage default, has commenced in some part of Kaduna metropolis.

Our correspondent reported that some government primary schools sent its pupils back home on Monday morning, alleging strike action.

However, Kaduna state government, in a statement over the weekend said it has commenced payment of Minimum Wage, NLC differed, saying the state defaulted and failed to comply with the wage directives.

The statement stressed that Governor Uba Sani has commenced the implementation of the national minimum wage in Kaduna State, “so it is a misrepresentation for NLC to claim that the state has defaulted”.

The statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa on Sunday, decried NLC’s lumping of Kaduna State with others, describing it “as grossly unfair because the least paid worker received N72,000 as gross salary in the month of November.’’

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has complied with the spirit and letter of the National Minimum Wage Law, by paying the lowest paid civil servant N72,000 last month.

“NLC is harping on the issue of consequential adjustment but the labour body should realise that there is difference between salary increment and Minimum Wage,’’ the statement explained.

“Kaduna State receives an average of N8 billion from Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC) from the centre every month. It also generates around N4 bn monthly. That translates to N12 billion revenue monthly.’’

“However, the monthly wage bill has jumped from N5.4 billion to N6.3 billion with implementation of the Minimum Wage last month. And there is also the deduction of N4 billion for loan payment every month.
“So, the wage bill and the deduction have gulped over N10 million out of the total N12 billion revenue. That leaves only N2 billion for rural transformation, overhauling the health sector, revamping education and providing dividends of democracy to the people of Kaduna State,’’ he said.

The release noted that it will be unfair for Kaduna State Government to spend almost all its revenue on consequential adjustments, after paying the mandatory Minimum Wage.

“There are over 10 million people who are also entitled to the accrued revenue of Kaduna State. There are 84,827 civil servants in the state. So, it is unreasonable for Government to spend over 90% of its revenue on just about !% of the population,” he explained.

The spokesman urged NLC to exercise patience over the consequential adjustments, pending when Government’s revenue improves, adding that Governor Uba Sani is Labour-friendly.

The statement said that the Kaduna State Government has already bought buses for civil servants which will convey them to and from work free of charge, as part of the palliatives to cushion the prevailing economic challenges.
Earlier, NLC decried default in payment of minimum wage as promised, threatening strike action on second December, in line with its national Union directive.

From Abel Leonard, Lafia

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who also serves as the acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Muhammad Iyimoga Oyigye, has dismissed allegations that the state government harvested rice belonging to Tiv farmers in the area.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Iyimoga clarified that the government has no intention of displacing or taking crops belonging to farmers and accused the Tiv community of spreading falsehoods.

Speaking on the matter, the commissioner said: “The government is not insane to harvest rice belonging to peasant farmers. Those claiming this know the real reasons they are avoiding the farms. Some of them invaded and stole rice from government farms, and we even arrested a few but later released them.”

Iyimoga revealed that the state government had discovered theft of rice and chemicals from its farm by some individuals in the community. He alleged that those making the accusations are attempting to divert attention from their actions.

“The rice we are harvesting belongs to the government. They stole from us, and now they are turning the narrative to make it seem like we are the ones wronging them,” he said. “As recently as yesterday, Tiv farmers were harvesting their own rice. Anyone doubting this can visit the farms and see for themselves that their crops are intact.”

He challenged the accusers to provide evidence of their claims. “I challenge anyone who says we harvested their rice to point out the areas they claim were affected. I will, in turn, show you the instances where the same individuals stole government property, including chemicals and bagged rice,” Iyimoga said.

The commissioner also addressed the presence of security personnel during the harvest, clarifying that it was a precautionary measure. “We deployed three soldiers to strategic areas around the farm. This was not to intimidate anyone but to ensure order and prevent violence, as the community is known for such tendencies. The security was strictly for harvesting government rice, not anyone else’s crops,” he explained.

However, has a different narrative. They alleged that the government, under the guise of harvesting “government rice,” had encroached on farmlands belonging to their members, leading to the displacement of farmers from their fields. Community leaders claimed that the government deployed security forces to intimidate farmers, preventing them from accessing their farmlands.

The Tiv farmers also pointed to a court order obtained earlier this year, which restrained the state government from carrying out any farming or harvesting activities on disputed lands. They accused the government of flouting the court’s directive and acting in bad faith.

“The government has ignored the court order and is openly taking what belongs to us. We have records and witnesses to show that our farms were harvested,” said one farmer who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Hon. Iyimoga refuted these claims, describing them as “ridiculous and illogical.” He denied reports that over 500 bags of rice were harvested within four days, stating: “For God’s sake, how could anyone harvest over 500 bags in just four days? This is nothing but a lie. These false claims will not deter the government from ensuring the right thing is done.”

The commissioner assured the public that the government remains committed to protecting the rights of all farmers while ensuring accountability and transparency in its agricultural initiatives.

By Israel Adamu,Jos

Two suspected phone thieves were set ablaze by an irate mob on Friday in Jos the Plateau State capital .

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred at the Kabong community of Jos North Local Government Area in the early hours of the day.

Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects were attacking passersby and road users with weapons, robbing them of phones and other valuables.

Angered by the incident, onlookers reportedly mustered the courage to pursue them.

While some of the suspects managed to escape, two were caught and set ablaze by the mob.

A resident of the Kabong community, Mathew Ignatius, confirmed the incident to our correspondent , saying: “It happened this Friday morning. Some persons suspected to be cultists were attacking people and collecting their phones and money.

“This wasn’t the first time they had been terrorising the community, especially in the early mornings, at noon, and late evenings, seizing valuables like phones, laptops, and money.

This morning, when they struck again, a mob gathered and gave them a hot chase.

They caught two suspects and burnt them immediately, while others escaped.”

Reacting to the incident, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred.

The statement read: “The Plateau State Police Command received a disheartening report in the early hours of today, November 29, 2024, about a mob action in Jenta Adamu, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“The report received through a distress call from a concerned citizen, indicated that at approximately 9:20 a.m., a group of yet-to-be-identified cult members invaded the community, attempting to rob law-abiding citizens of their belongings.

“In response, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Jos, to deploy officers and detectives to the scene and commence an investigation.”

The police added, “Upon arrival, our team discovered that an angry mob had pursued the invaders, attacked them, and set two individuals ablaze.

“The police, in collaboration with the leadership of Jos North Local Government Area, evacuated the charred bodies and deposited them at a hospital morgue.

Two locally fabricated pistols, believed to belong to the suspected cultists, were recovered from the scene.

“While the police strongly condemn the activities of armed robbers and cultists, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, equally condemns the execution of jungle justice.

As a civilised society, citizens are urged to hand over suspects to the relevant security agencies to ensure justice is served in accordance with the Plateau State Penal Code.

“The CP warns that any individual or group found engaging in jungle justice will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“We urge members of the public to remain calm as the command has implemented effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all residents of the state.”

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned Kaduna State Government for its failure to implement the N72,000 minimum wage as promised and announced by the Governor.

NLC disclosed this in a statement dated 28th November 2024, and signed by it Secretary Comrade Gado Hussaini Titus, entitled: National Minimum Wage In Kaduna State: A Charade Taken Too Far”.

The statement stressed that “Instead of fulfilling this promise, the government has resorted
to an arbitrary and insulting increment for workers”, threatening strike action against the failure.

The action, according to NLC, represents a blatant failure to adopt the negotiated consequential adjustments in the payment of the November salary.

“Such conduct not only undermines the welfare of workers but also constitutes a serious breach of public trust.

“The Kaduna State Council of the NLC views this paltry increment as an affront to the dignity of labour.

“It is unacceptable for a government to make lofty public promises only to renege on its commitments through half-hearted measures that fail to meet even the most basic needs of workers”, NLC threatened.

The Council therefore demanded for immediate implementation of the negotiated consequential adjustments and the signing of a memorandum of understanding, adding that anything less, would constituted a betrayal of the hardworking workforce of the State.

“It should be noted that the State Executive Council (SEC), during its meeting on Tuesday, 27th November 2024, expressed total commitment to complying with the directive of the National Executive Council, which mandated a strike action, should any state government fail to fully implement the new minimum wage by 30th November 2024. For us, Sunday.

“1st December 2024, is sacrosanct, especially in light of this obvious charade”, NLC again threatened .
Contacted, Ibrahim Musa, media aide of Governor Sani, could not respond.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

President Bola Tinubu,Senate President Godswill Akpabio,former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governors,members of the National Assembly, as well as other eminent Nigerians were part of the ceremonies marking the funeral rites of late first lady of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Patience Umo Eno as she was interred at the weekend.

Tributes from dignitaries from all walks of life poured in torrents, as family, friends and we’ll wishers took turns to extol the virtues of the late Matriarch at Ikot Ekpene-Udo country home of the Governor in Nsit Ubium local government area.

Governor Umo Eno, in his special tribute to in his tribute during the funeral which relieved fond memories of his late wife, saying it would remain fresh in his thoughts and warm in his heart.

“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death part of me is gone, but i will cherish the memories we shared forever.

“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here, celebrating your memories, and as i look at our children and grandchildren, i take consolation in the fact that, the journey that began 40 years ago, in church, has been a journey of growth and immeasurable blessings and we will be fine

” I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my “Oluwakemi” alive in my mine, fresh in my thoughts and warm in my heart.” Eno said.

In her remarks, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia, Nana Shettima ,who recalled the laudable contributions to humanity of the departed First Lady, urged the family to emulate her legacies.

Earlier in homely, Rev. Simeon Afolabi of the First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt, who spoke on the topic; “When Death of Love Ones Occurs” said when ever a love ones die our world strain because of what we think of her, adding that anyone who make a difference in life does not die alone.

Drawing copiously from from the scriptures, 1 Thess: 4;15-16, Afolabi urged the family of late first lady to emulate the good legacies of their late mother.

The funeral service was attended by former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Rivers State Governor Gov Fubara. Governor of Bauchi State Sen. Bala Mohammed, Imo State Gov. Hope Uzodimna of Imo, Abia State governor, Gov Alex Otti and former governor Mr Udom Emmanuel, among others.

Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) Ekprikpe Ekpo,
Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs,
Obong Umana Okon Umana and a host of other dignitaries

By Isreal Adamu, Jos

Senior District Court of Plateau holding at Main Market Court 4 ,sitting at Lugard Road Jos has issued an interim injunction restraining the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) from sealing , closing blocking and threatening to demolish the 44 shops complex owned by Zazzaga Nigerian Limited built at a vacant land at the Anglo Jos Post office pending hearing and determination of the motion on notice .

Others restrained are the General Manager of JMDB,,the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police Plateau state and the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps Plateau state.

The court order obtained by our correspondent brought before his worship Hon AC NGOT reads that the Plaintiffs Zazzaga Nigerian Limited and Alhaji Sale Abdullahi Zazzaga had approached the court by Motion Exparte filled and dated 29th of November 2024 urging the JMDB,the General Manager of JMDB,,the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police Plateau state, the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps Plateau state from sealing the said property.

Justice AC NGOT who gave the order following a motion ex-parte application filed and argued by counsel to the Plantiffs / Applicants BI Shehu Esq reads that ” I hereby order for an interim injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, employees, offices and representatives and who so ever from sealing, closing, blocking, threatening to demolish, attempting to demolish and demolishing the 44 shops (or any part of therefore ) of the Plantiffs/applicant situated at the Anglo Jos Post Office Jos pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. ”

The Injunction also read in parts that ” I hereby order directing the Defendants, their agents, employees, officers and representatives whosever to unseal and open the 44 shops of the Plantiffs / Applicants built on the vacant land leased to the first Plantiff situated at Anglo Jos Post Office Jos Pending the determination of this suit..