By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) says it will be embarking on massive disconnection of indebted electricity customers in South-East.

EEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, on Friday in a statement, advised customers to promptly pay their electricity bills before the disconnection team gets to their premises.

Ezeh noted that failure to pay the electricity bill would attract a reconnection fee in addition to the outstanding amount being owed.

 “Customers can pay their bills at the EEDC Cash Offices or any collection agent location nearest to them, and they must not wait for the marketers to visit before they can pay their bills.

“It is expected that the current electricity bill, which is for energy consumed in the previous month, is paid by the 12th day of the succeeding month. Customers that have arrears should endeavour to clear their bills or take advantage of our ongoing discount scheme.

 “Pay your bills promptly and on time and save yourself the inconveniences of being disconnected or surcharged,” he said.

 Ezeh said that EEDC could only sustain its operations and service to its esteemed customers when electricity bills are paid.

“EEDC is committed to serving you and wants you to help us serve you better,” he added.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Amidst the current fuel pump hike, stakeholders under the auspices of Concerned Energy Consumers In Nigeria(CECIN), have further reaffirmed the  call for total deregulation of the petroleum industry in Nigeria to accommodate the right market template for investors and ensure maximization of investments as well as availability of products. 

The  Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, had on Wednesday 9th October 2024,  announced an increase in the pump price of fuel products from N885 per litre to  N1,030.

The group who were speaking against the backdrop of this development, called on all Nigerians to join hands together and  champion the campaign for full deregulation of the petroleum market to save the nation.

The group further stresses the importance of deregulation of the market, stating that it will attract more foreign investors, eliminate the shortage of refined petroleum products, and combat refined petroleum commodities’ smuggling around the country’s boundaries.

Coordinator of the group, Comrade Innocent Agwa, while  speaking at a press conference held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Thursday, said absolute deregulation would put an end to the practice of hoarding fuel in the regulated economy.

According to him, the policy is very critical and remains the best way to go for now, stressing that it will allow the industry to reach its full potential and guarantee wider participation of individuals and cut down essences of some authorities.

“With hoarding being a common practice, a free-floating price model for oil and gas will ensure competition while preventing one party from taking advantage of generous subsidies (that were originally made to benefit consumers) to buy too many quantities, thereby creating severe supply shortages.

“Deregulation is the right thing to do for  now from an economic perspective because  a lot of capital will be freed up for developmental purposes.

“True competition, independent market regulator, consumer protection and investor protection will strive in the atmosphere of a fully and totally deregulated petroleum market sector. 

“Again, total deregulation of the petroleum sector will further protect customers’ right, anti-monopoly and price- fixing  rules in place and also  bring about robust protection of investors’ rights and framework for creating stable and enforcement of regulations.

“Total and complete deregulation  will  further increase the country’s local refining capacity, provide increased investment in the rehabilitation and maintenance of industry infrastructure, storage facilities, pipelines, trucks  etc and also enhance development of open access reception facilities and adoption of industry best practices”,Agwa stated.

Comrade Agwa enjoined NNPC limited not to relent in its effort towards ensuring deregulation take its pride of place in Nigeria as it will strike a balance between maintaining sustainability growth of the crude oil value chain( Upstream through downstream) and providing value for the Nigeria consumer and the Nigerian economy.

While noting that the deregulation of the petroleum market remains the most glaring boost to potential investors, Comrade Agwa appeals to NNPCL to find a way to discuss with relevant authorities and find a solution to the issue of right pricing for petrol in the country.

He noted that total deregulation is more than just the removal of price subsidies, as  it is also  aimed at improving business operations, increasing the investments in the oil and gas sector value chain and resulting in the growth in the nation’s downstream petroleum sector as a whole.

“With the take off of the 650,000BPD Dangote Refinery and coming off the stream of Bua Group Refinery, Waltersmith Refinery and others will transform Nigeria into a net exporter of crude oil  in the near future.

“So, there is a need for all of us to join hands together and  champion the campaign for full deregulation of the petroleum market to save our nation”, the group stated.

By Cyprian  Ebele, Onitsha 

The President General of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Humphrey Anuna, and counsel to the association, Humphrey Udechukwu have tasked stakeholders in the state to expose any illegalities found in their various markets.

Anuna and Udechukwu made this known while addressing over 200 stakeholders of the association during in a meeting that took place at the ASMATA secretariat Onitsha , Anambra State.

In their sperate speeches; Anuna said: “Harvest of Highly Resourceful Men and Women as Critical Stakeholders from All the Markets Across Anambra State,”

Anuna speech which was read by the Secretary, Macaulay Ekwe, highlighted that the leadership of the association, in collaboration with the state executives, had selected resourceful traders from markets across Anambra State to serve as the eyes and ears of the association in their respective markets.

He described the stakeholders as experienced, tested, and trusted individuals, chosen based on their positive track records and contributions to their markets, which have impacted the development of ASMATA.

According to Anuna, their elevation as critical stakeholders was a way to appreciate their efforts and motivate them to continue promoting development, not only in their respective markets but also by supporting government programs and policies in the State.

He listed the functions of the  stakeholders to include; reporting undesirable elements and illegal activities in their markets to ASMATA’s office.

He reminded them that ASMATA may summon them anytime individually or as a group, alongside their market leaders, to address critical issues concerning the well-being of their markets.

Anuna added that the nominated traders would also serve as ASMATA ambassadors in their respective markets, cautioning them not to challenge their market leaders even as he advised them to avoid selfish interest even when faced with challenges. 

Responding,, the association’s lawyer, Udechukwu applauded Anuna’s leadership role and initiative in coordinating traders, noting his deep knowledge of market leadership.

 He urged the newly appointed ambassadors to respect their market leaders and cooperate with the ASMATA President General adding that lack of respect to leaders has been the bane of market and Igbo crises

“We have zero tolerance for As a gesture, he presented them with wrapper clothes, encouraging them to purchase and use these as the traders’ official uniform.

 in the markets. Governor Soludo is working especially on roads and other infrastructures and we need to support him. If there is a crisis we have to settle it,”, he stressed.

Also speaking, the Secretary General of Onitsha Main Market, Emeka Boniface Okoli, applauded Anuna for his efforts in coordinating and consolidating Anambra traders.

Some market leaders and secretaries who praised Chief Anuna during the event included Chief Samuel Efurunwa, Chairman of Mgbuka Obosi Old Motor Spare Parts; Mr. Everest Ejezie, Chairman of Iron Rod Dealers, Atani Road; Mr. Wisdom Obasi, Secretary of Ogbaru Main Market; and Chidiebere Ibe, Chairman of New Parts, Owerri Road.

Among those inaugurated stakeholders who expressed their gratitude included,  Sunday Ezemuo, Sam Njoku, Mr. Leonard Ume, and Sunday Nwaofor.

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The former Bauchi Commissioner for Water resources, Bukata Bayero Bukar on Tuesday said that those who are busy reacting on the issue of the Gung Zaar Select rtd Air commodore Ishaku Komo of Sayawa chiefdom just because they lost out and also failed to manipulate him into appointing their brothers as village heads.

The Nations News Nigeria gathered that Bukata Bayero Bukar also served as commissioner for Agriculture, Information and currently a lecturer at the department of Pharmacology & Toxivology, University of Jos.

He made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Bauchi, saying that “Believe it or not, for any member of the Sayawa ethnic group of Bogoro and Tafawa-Balewa LGA, Bauchi state, the issue of their Chiefdom has been topical for many years”

“This is partly because it is central to their belief system which they have firmly held to protect against external aggressors for centuries. The Sayawas have a very rich culture that is comparable to none in the state”

He said that the Sayawas agitation for a separate Chiefdom predates the current generation. Gladly, in spite of all odds but to the glory of God, the Chiefdom was created in 2011, adding that the delay on its take-off more than a decade ago could be traced to the mischief of some few individuals both from within and outside the Sayawa Community. 

The statement reads in parts: “Those from within are reacting because they lost out in the game, and also failed to manipulate the “Gung Zaar select” into appointing their brothers as hamlet heads”

“As they were initially very close to the Gung zaar select, because of the above reason, they now distanced themselves from him with several flimsy attempts to link the delay in coronation of the “Gung Zaar select”, Air Commodore Ishaku Komo (rtd) to illegality and lack of what they like referring to as due process”

He further said that the attempts has always failed woefully because history is replete with how traditional institutions among various ethnic groups in Nigeria started long before the British colonial masters arrived to establish their administration which the Sayawas were not an exception. 

“Though they were unilaterally placed under the Bauchi emirate by the colonial administration through the indirect rule, the Sayawas have never been conquered in a war by any ethnic group or throughout their chequered history right from Yemen through Ngazargamu to their present location. Until the emergence of “Gung Zaar select” through the process of doctrine of necessity, the last of their central leader was Baba Peter Gonto (1882-2000). 

This simple historical fact therefore renders the issue of illegality or lack of “due process” invalid or ineffective and unjustifiable for the delay on coronation of the “Gung Zaar select”. 

“The current administration met the Gung Zaar select in office, and it will be morally unfair to dismantle his office because even with the colonial administration that met several of such traditional rulers on board when they first arrived, there is no traceable evidence that they dismantle the system. 

“Therefore, the government should not be misled into reversing a peaceful process collectively endorsed by the generality of the Sayawa people of Bogoro and Tafawa-Balewa local government areas of the state.

“It is a common saying that “once beaten, twice shy”. On this ground, I wish to suggest that we as Sayawas henceforth desist from churning reckless statements to the public and respect the selection process that brough Air Commodore Ishaku Komo (rtd) as “Gung Zaae select”. 

“The process was in accordance with the Sayawa tradition and should be respected as such. However, I advise that any aggrieved person or group against the process can go to court instead of grandstanding against the people while hiding under the shadows of government”

“The Sayawas are never a rebellious ethnic group, and no one should give them that bad name by asserting that the choice of Gung zaar select did not follow due process. If the Sayawas are rebellious as they insinuate to the public, they wouldn’t have stayed calm and maintain the peace when successive administrations in the state refused to create the Sayawa Chiefdom as recommended by the white paper on Justice Babalakin Commission of Inquiry in 1992. I dont understand why a legitimate call on the government by the Sayawas to coronate the “Gung Zaar select” should be considered an act of disobedience to the state traditional laws”

“Lastly, it is no longer in doubt that the Sayawa chiefdom was created in 2011, and has become an entity. To this effect, one may ask if it is “due process”, that a Committee on creation of Sayawa chiefdom was set up again by the Gov Bala Mohammed administration. Further more, that some chiefs under the Sayawa Chiefdom who ere appointed under the Bauchi emirate system are still being recognized by government while the “Gung Zaar select” and those hamlet chiefs that are products of the newly created Sayawa chiefdon are being denied their functions is a double standard that should not be over looked. 

“If there is an ongoing amendment to the law that created the Sayawa chiefdom in 2011, on which law are the other chiefs under the Bauchi emirate now operating? Can there be an amendment without consulting the people through public hearing? Who among the Sayawas is the spokesperson for the government that the Sayawas should listen and trust? I thought Sayawa land is above this deception, as it prides itself of having members with sound intellectual capacity” it stated.

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir has been commended for the enhancement of agriculture, education and boasting economic development in the state.

Governor, Bala made this known in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Simon Madugu Yalams, and made available to newsmen in Bauchi.

The statement reads in part: , “Under your leadership, Bauchi State has witnessed significant transformations, and your impact will be felt for generations to come. Your commitment to agriculture, water, education, healthcare, infrastructure, culture/tourism, natural resources, humanitarian, land and indeed other sectors of  economic development has improved the lives of countless citizens, and we are grateful for your tireless efforts.

“Your leadership has been a shining example of courage, compassion, and wisdom. You have inspired us, and this will impact this and the future generation of leaders and citizens to work towards a common goal of peace, progress, and prosperity as a model to emulate. “

“As you celebrate this milestone birthday, we reaffirm our support to your vision for a better and greater Bauchi State. We pray that the Good Lord will continue to guide and protect you as you lead us towards a brighter future.” May your birthday be a celebration of hope, love,  unity, and further blessings for the people of Bauchi State and beyond”