The Nation News

Category: News

  •  Tariff hike: Reps task NDPHC to provide steady power supply to Nigerians 

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

     The House of Representatives committee on power on Wednesday visited the Calabar generation Company limited as part of their oversight checks on the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) power plants.

    Recall that the Minister of power, Chief Adelabo Adebayo, recently visited the plant and assured of meeting a 6,000 megawatt power generation capacity by December 2024.

    The Chairman of the House of Reps Committee on power, Victor Nwokolo who spoke with newsmen in Calabar during the visit, said that the Committee is happy with the current developments on the power plant, emphasizes that Government places high premium on making power available for Nigerians

    “We’re here to reassess our readiness to respond to the yearnings of Nigerians saying they need better supply of power”

    “We don’t wait till the last minutes to use the fire brigade approach in doing things; because without the Gencos, we can’t do anything. We’re happy with what is on ground here, because they are very proactive”.

    “We are working hand-in-hand, with the executive, because it takes two to tangle; With the signing of the electricity Act this year, it shows how clear we are on doing our work in the power sector. We’ll keep improving our law. 

    “Nigerians are saying before you increase tariffs, give us a sustainable power supply; so we’re going to make sure that power is not far from them.”

    In an interview after leading the house Committee on a tour in the power plant, the Managing Director of the plant, Chiedu Ugbo, said that the  oversight check to the  station  by the Reps Committee, “shows probity, accountability and the interest of the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He added that, “It shows the premium placed on this job. Calabar is the only Gas power plant that has full Gas supply. We’re promising Nigerians that there’ll be more improvement.”

    The check on the power generation plant, is the second in the last 24 hours by the federal government, with the first, being that of the Minister of power.

  • Ebonyi senator, Ken Eze defends President Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria 

    ….. Saying it made funds available for FG, states to function effectively

    By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

    The Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly, Kenneth Eze, has defended the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that it has made funds available for the federal government and states to function effectively.

    Eze, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Information made stated this at his home town, Ohaigbo Amagu in Ezza South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state during his one year constituency briefing and presentation of agricultural and empowerment items to his constituents.

    The Senator said, though the effects of the subsidy might be hard, its overall benefits would soon be acknowledged by the citizens of the country.

    “The removal was an unavoidable measure to prevent the government from running out of resources.

    “States in particular could not have seen funds to run its operations, if the subsidy was not removed. I join other leaders in the country to urge the citizens to be patient”.

    He explained that the economic problems Nigeria is facing currently did not begin with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but had built up for several years.

    “Nigerians should know that the leaders feel their pains but with time, the policies of the present administration would manifest fully and things would be better. 

    “It takes a courageous and responsive government to take endearing economic policies which would not only correct the mistakes of the past but would secure the citizens’s future”.

    Eze during the briefing, distributed over 1000 bags of fertilizer to farmers across the four LGAs which make up his constituency, assuring them of continued provision of democratic dividends.

    He explained that the recent nationwide protest affected the transportation of the fertilizer from the depot in the North ahead of the event,but assured that as more of the fertilizers arrive in the State, more farmers would benefit. 

    He noted that 220 bags of fertilizer were allocated to Ezza North, LGA, 220 to Ezza South, 400 to Ikwo, and 320 to Ishielu LGAs.

    Senator Eze further said: “I have played pivotal roles in the passage of five significant bills in the National Assembly,  co-sponsored several other important bills and stopped the passage of bills detrimental to my constituents’ interest.

    “I have facilitated the employment of over fifty Ebonyi people in the federal civil service as part of ongoing efforts to combat unemployment in the state,”.

    He thanked the State Governor, Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, for fostering unity and adhering to the people’s charter of needs manifesto, noting that the governor would always have his support and that of his constituents. 

    The Chairman of the Association of Local Government Of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Chief Moses Ogbdo- Ali Nome commended the senator for his magnanimity towards his constituents, noting that such was the hallmark of effective representation.

    Mrs Jane Igboke, a Beneficiary at the event, thanked the senator and pledged to judiciously utilise the item in her farming endeavour.

  • Ebonyi is lucky, never had any worse governor – Aviation commissioner, Obichukwu

    Ebonyi is lucky, never had any worse governor – Aviation commissioner, Obichukwu

    By, Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

    The commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu has said that Ebonyi state is very lucky to have good governors since the creation of the state in 1996.

    Obichukwu made this known while addressing the National youths council of Nigeria, NYSN, Ishielu LGA chapter, during a solidarity visit and inspection of the Chuba Okadigbo’s international airport, Onueke Ezza South LGA, Ebonyi State.

    She applauded the youths for obeying and complying with the directive of the state government led by governor Francis Nwifuru and shunned participation in the just concluded nationwide ‘endbadgovernance/hunger’ protests in Ebonyi state.

    Obichukwu charged the youths not to indulge in any activity that is capable of bringing disrepute to the state government, rather should support the programs and policies of governor Francis Nwifuru for their own benefits and for the development of the state.

    The Aviation commission further charged the youths to shun Japa, noting that Nigeria and Ebonyi State in particular remains the best place for the youths to stay, discover their destiny and excel, not minding the recent economic challenges facing the country.

    “The Chuba Okadigbo Airport has the best runway in Nigeria and we are waiting for the federal ministry of Aviation to give us approval to start flight operation. Right now, we are procuring aircrafts and the conditions given to us by FAN and CAC, the governor Francis Nwifuru is adhering to it and we are following it one by one.

    “The Chuba Okadigbo airport will be the hub of all economic activities and development in Nigeria, because we have the cargo, and with the cargo, we will export all our foods and other agric/ farm inputs to other countries of the world.

    She, however applauded the governor, Francis Nwifuru for his dogged efforts to uplift the youths and the entire citizens of the state from poverty, sufferings, hardships and inferiority complex, through the various ongoing empowerment programs in the state.

    Earlier in a remark, the coordinator of NYSN, Ishielu LGA chapter, Jonathan Alo said that the reason why they didn’t join the just concluded nationwide protests, was because of the good governance of governor Francis Nwifuru, and the intervention of the commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu.

    “If not for the intervention of the commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, we would have participated in the just concluded nationwide ‘endbadgovernance/hunger’ protests.

    The youths who hail from the 16 wards of Ishielu LGA, noted further that “We heard the governor, Francis Nwifuru talk about how to empower youths of Ebonyi, is part of which we did not join the protests. 

    They, however, declared their support for the governor, Francis Nwifuru and the commissioner, and pleaded with the governor to include NYSN in the ongoing N13billion youths empowerment in the state.

  • ‘Your 6yrs in office is visionless, no functional social amenities – Ex-Speaker, Dogara tells Gov. Bala

    ‘Your 6yrs in office is visionless, no functional social amenities – Ex-Speaker, Dogara tells Gov. Bala

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The former Speaker of the house of representatives, Mr  Yakubu Dogara has accused governor Bala Mohammed of running Bauchi state for the past six years in office without vision and functional social amenities that will benefit the people.

    Dogara who made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Bauchi, said that “Just merely looking at what former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike achieved in just one year as FCT Minister which totally dwarfed what Bala Mohammed achieved in his 6 years as FCT Minister, is an open rebuke to his inept and visionless leadership which is now self-evident in Bauchi State.

    The statement reads in part: “Leader is supposed to nurture and inspire the people he leads into positive action as against indulging in wanton self-adulation and praise”. Bala Mohammed has run Bauchi State for over six years now, with no functional social amenities”

    “Bauchi State under him is one of the states with highest number of out of school children in Nigeria, yet he has built no functional school. Also “Bauchi State found itself under his watch, he has built the biggest Government house for himself and his family and the best family house in Northern Nigeria, if not in the whole of the country. 

    He said that “No doubt these are trying moments in Nigeria; with lots of nerves in the air and lots of spitting into the political wind. The job of leaders irrespective of the political tribe they belong to, is to ensure that we bring this crisis to a responsible end by appealing to Governments at all levels to scramble to meet some of the legitimate demands of the protesters, most especially, hunger and pervasive insecurity in the national interest. 

    “It is certainly not a time to engage in blowing all the dog whistles at once in the irresponsible manner Gov Bala Mohammed did. For me it didn’t come as a surprise because I had long ago, both in writing and on live TV, denounced him as a thug who speaks in the manner of thugs and understands only the language of thuggery”

    He said that governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir wants to build flyovers in a city that has no traffic congestion albeit for KEKE and OKADA riders. Adding that “If anyone has ever wondered what the bottom of misgovernance looks like; this is it. 

    “The irony is that when the youths he has refused to build schools for, who have no access to affordable health care and employment opportunities, chose to revolt, it is PBAT’s policies that is the cause. What a display of ravenously wayward sense of entitlement. Just merely looking at what H.E Nyesom Wike achieved in just one year as FCT Minister which totally dwarfed what Bala Mohammed achieved in his 6years as FCT Minister, is an open rebuke to his inept and visionless leadership which is now self-evident in Bauchi State”

    “Governor Bala Mohammed as a renowned crass opportunist knows how to extort and exploit people and situations. I once wrote about this and I quote a line: “so much for the motion on the doctrine of necessity as if some of us didn’t know the events that preceded it and the main drivers of the motion”

    “The Governor ought to know or should be told that moving against an ailing and bed ridden President who was desperately in need of prayers instead, in the manner which he did, was not an act of courage but cowardice”

    “Let him name any motion he made against the government while late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua was well and in charge. To hit someone who you know will have no chance of hitting back is a master stratagem of a wimp, and only wimps get paid for. After taking up the FCT ministerial portfolio as payment for the hatched job in a manner a hunting dog is served some portion of the meat of its prey, is it not shameful to flaunt the same as an achievement? History has never been kind to those who stabbed the vulnerable.”

    “To buttress the point being made, when Gov Bala Mohammed was in court after rigging himself into office and desperately needed PBAT to save him, he was busy singing his praises to the highest heavens and telling the world how amazing PBAT was, not even minding the fact that he is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum”

    “Just months after PBAT saved him, he has turned around to describe the President as, “now inept, incompetent and incapable of running Nigeria. I will even invite him to chair our 2027 presidential campaigns if he continues this way.” This level of unbridled disrespect is unparalleled. In months, Gov Bala Mohammed has transmutated from being a Hallelujah boy to the undisputed cheer-leader of a pack of wolves who are trying so hard to soil the president beyond redemption”

    “It is good that the world gets to know what we are up against in Bauchi State and the price we are paying for foisting a tasteless joke on the state and elevating a cavorting charlatan to the position of a Governor. Dignity still matters in public office and it’s unlikely that Gov Bala Mohammed will ever have it. Yet, his graver vice is cowardice, reflected in a willingness to lie to the public to please and appease, heedless of the inevitability of its contradiction an hour later and the consequences thereof. Right now, he has turned Bauchi state into a prison of mirrors where his revealed lies are answered with new lies. Those who think he misspoke are dead wrong because that is who he has always been and as Maya Angelou said, “

    The former speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Yakubu Dogara said that “When someone tells you who they are, believe them”. As it is, we wait to see whether the Kaura 2027 his cult followers printed on their gowns will be a political slogan or an expiry date” he stressed.

  • ‘Stop treating S-east, S-south like 3rd class citizens- Biafra league founder tells Tinubu

    By Ene Ene, Calabar 

    The founder of Biafra Nation league {BNL}  Princewill Chimezie Richards has called on the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu to immediately conduct a referendum for the people of the South East and South South regions.

    He tasked president Tinubu’s administration to conduct a referendum for the two regions, since the government failed to revive the seaports in the region.

    The separatist leader, Richards made the call while addressing newsmen in Calabar, Cross River State Capital on Monday.

    Richards, however expressed displeasure over the way the people of south east and south south regions are being treated as if they were third class citizens in the country.

    He said reviving the seaport in Calabar would have made things easier for businessmen from this region, “majority of whom are Igbos, who are into import business” adding that a functional seaport in this region would have reduced the traffic of Igbos going to the west to clear their containers at the western seaport

    Richards, warned against any form of threat by any person or group to the Igbos staying in the western region, while calling on the Federal Government to address the issue of threat by the Yorubas adding that they will not fold their hands and watch their people humiliated by any person or group.

    The separatist leader pointed out that Calabar had the first seaport, and a historical town where colonial masters settled. He called on the federal government to do everything to upgrade the seaport so that their people can come back home and do their businesses he maintained.

    Speaking on the nationwide protest, Richards said that the northerners had showcased their agenda of wanting a Russian invasion and Russian rule but they don’t speak for the Igbos and other sections of the country.

  • Food security: Nwifuru’s wife empowers 195 women on ICT, distributes farm inputs to farmers 

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The wife of Ebonyi state governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has as a result of ensuring food security in the state, empowered over 195 women on ICT and distributed farm inputs to farmers.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the theme of this 2024 August Meeting is: “A Wise Woman Builds Her Home”.

    The governor’s wife, Mary-Maudline made this known while addressing Ebonyi women during the 2024 August meeting that took place at the ecumenical centre Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

    According to her: “Empowering our women economically leads to sustainable development. When women have access to education and vocational training, they can secure better jobs or even start their own businesses. This not only improves their quality of life but also stimulates local economies. In Ebonyi State, where agriculture plays a significant role, empowering farmers with modern techniques and resources can enhance productivity and food security. 

    “On that note my foundation, Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), will be empowering 195 persons in ICT with equipments, barding kit, and sewing machines

    “Through the ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, I will be distributing fertilizers to women in Agriculture. Empowerment also extends into health care access and education about health issues. So we have provided free medical outreach, which is already ongoing” she said.

    The governor’s wife, however, said that the present administration is gender sensitive, supportive to women in all fronts, adding that “As such, we must be firm, focused and committed in our respective and collective assignments, to prove ourselves capable of making significant changes in our society.

    “We must first explore the concept of wisdom itself. Wisdom is more than mere knowledge; it is the application of knowledge in ways that honor God and uplift those around us. A wise woman recognizes that her role extends beyond traditional boundaries. She embodies qualities such as discernment, patience, and compassion.

    She, however, charged the women to be wise and should embrace their roles as home builders, and not home dividers.

    “Let us strive to be those wise women who build homes characterized by love, respect, positivity, and faithfulness. Together we can create environments where families flourish where laughter echoes through hallways filled with warmth and where every member feels cherished” she noted. 

  • Gov. Nwifuru decries empowerment diversion, sabotage, leakages in Ebonyi 

    Gov. Nwifuru decries empowerment diversion, sabotage, leakages in Ebonyi 

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru on Sunday, warned council chairmen, coordinators and stakeholders in the various 13 LGAs against the serial empowerment diversion, sabotage and lots of leakages in the state.

    Nwifuru, however charged Local Government Chairmen and Coordinators of Development Centres to embark on projects that will have direct bearing on the people 

    The governor, Nwifuru made this known while addressing stakeholders and Church members, during a Church Service at the new government House Chapel, centenary city Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.

    He said: “If you are a Coordinator or a Local Government Chairman and live in Abakaliki and you hardly  go  to the village, you don’t expect people to follow you. You must work for the interest of the people. Our youths need your attention. 

    “As a Coordinator you should be doing a project not less than 10 Million Naira monthly and Chairmen are supposed to be doing a project of not less than 20 Million Naira every month”

    “You reside in Abakaliki because the Governor gave you a conducive environment, why can’t you get back to the village and do the same thing”

    Nwifuru warned those sabotaging government’s contract in their various localities to stop forthwith and called on Town Unions and other key arms of the community development process to supervise jobs in their areas inline with government’s specifications.

    He commended  the youths of the state for not joining the planned nationwide protest, even as he called  on officials not to take  the honour given to the state by the youths for granted.

    “They didn’t protest because we are perfect. They encouraged us to do more. It’s a challenge for us government officials to ensure we do more.

    “This protest is an atom of what we should expect tomorrow. If care is not taken, they maybe total shutdown”

    “In this empowerment we are not giving opportunities for the members of the State Executive Council, Judiciary, LGA Chairmen, and Coordinators, we want the youth to benefit.  

    “The Government is embarking on so many projects without supervision. We must ensure our projects are supervised. The project is yours. 

    “Ensure you exhibit ownership spirit in managing public utilities” he stressed.

  • LG Polls: Group urges Gov. Otu to obey zoning formula in Ikom LGA

    By Ene Ene, Calabar 

    A pressure group in Ikom local government area under the aegis of “Opinion Voice For Ikom Leadership” have called on the State governor, Bassey Edet Otu not to jettison zoning formula in the forthcoming local government elections in the state. 

    Recall that the people of Cross River State awaits the constitution of a new electoral body for the purpose of conducting the local government elections in the state

    The group made this known in a statement signed by it”s chairman, Tony Bassey and Secretary Njor Collins Adekpe and issued to newsmen shortly after their meeting on the 8th August, 2024 with 10 people in attendance, 

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the member of the group hails from ten wards out of eleven in Ikom local government area, insisting that it is the turn of Olulumo ward to produce the next Chairman of Ikom local government  Area. 

    According to them “After painstakingly and unbiased opinion poll across the wards and from members of the public for over 6 months, we focused our findings on the most preferred ward for the next elective local government elections for Ikom local government Council” 

    “Out of eleven wards, eight wards have benefited or produced elected chairmen, while three wards namely: Akparabong, Olulumo, and Ofutop have neither benefited nor produced”.

    “It is on record that Akparabong have an elected member of the State Assembly, a Commissioner and the Secretary of lkom Urban currently, while Ofutop Ward 1 has the State Deputy Chairman for APC and a Senior Special Adviser to the State Governor”. 

    The group maintained that Olulumo Ward is yet to benefit or produce an elected Chairman for Ikom Local Government Council since the advent of Democracy in 1999. 

    The group in their resolution have said that Olulumo is the most preferred ward for equity and justice, stressing that over 87% of the Ikom people have accepted Olulumo to produce the next Chairman of Ikom local government 

    “On this note, on behalf of the entire members of the Opinion voice of lkom Leadership therefore have voted and zoned the next lkom Council Chairman to Olulumo Ward”.

    “This is our position and the position of the majority in lkom. Olulumo Ward should produce the next lkom Council Chairman in the interest of equity and fairness”, they maintained.

  • Security: Gov. Mutfwang relaxes curfew from 10am to 6pm daily 

    Security: Gov. Mutfwang relaxes curfew from 10am to 6pm daily 

    From Justine Davis, Jos

    The governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has further relaxed the earlier imposed curfew from 10am to 6pm daily till further notice.

    Mutfwang made this known in a statement signed by his director of press and public affairs, Mr Gyang Bere and issued to newsmen in Jos.

    He emphasized that the review is effective from Saturday 10 August,2024 respectively.

    The governor noted that the further relaxation of the curfew is as a result of improvement in the security situation within the Jos Bukuru Metropolis within a couple of days .

    The statement reads in part: “Following 

    the improved security situation and the commendable conduct of residents, the Plateau State Government has once again decided to relax the curfew imposed on the Jos-Bukuru metropolis. 

    “Effective Saturday, August 10, 2024, residents are now permitted to carry out their lawful activities between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm daily, until further notice.” He stated

    The Governor noted that the development was reached through wider consultations with security agencies. As the adjustment is aimed at allowing citizens to continue their economic activities while maintaining public order.

    He extended his gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their steadfast patriotism and cooperation during these challenging times.

    Mutfwang, however, applauded the security personnel for their dedication and commitment to enforcing the curfew, and urged residents to continue working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property, as well as to contribute to the ongoing efforts of building a united and prosperous Plateau state.

  • Tinubu, Mbah’s wives enroll 1,701 pregnant women into insurance scheme, kick against women abuses in Nigeria

    By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu, Enugu 

    The Wife of the President, Remi Tinubu, and the wife of the governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, have called for a synergy and action against all forms of abuse on women in Nigeria.

    Tinubu’s wife, Remi and Mbah’s wife who flagged off the 2024 Annual August Meeting in Enugu State, described the August Meeting initiative as a veritable platform to rally women for community development in the country.

    The wife of the president, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said, “This annual tradition provides a vital platform for our mothers, daughters and sisters to gather and address pressing societal issues, mobilizing women in community building, political participation and community development.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the theme for this year’s August meeting for Enugu State is: “Eliminating Abuse to Foster a Healthy Society”.

    According to Remi Tinubu, “This year’s theme is a clarion call to action. Abuse in all its forms is a scourge that we must eradicate. Every individual has the right to safety, free from physical, domestic, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, and material discrimination, among others.

    “Let us also remember that abuse starts and ends with us, either as victims or as perpetrators. I, therefore, urge us all to rise to the challenge of eliminating abuse and fostering a healthy society for all of us. We must speak up and speak out against abuse.”

    She urged Nigerians to learn to dialogue responsibly and work together to foster a sense of empathy, compassion towards one another, restating her resolve to better the lives of Nigerian women through her pet project, the renewed hope initiative.

    “In education, we have provided scholarships to our children and youth across the country, with some having opportunities to study abroad. In agriculture, we have supported our women farmers with fertilizers and farming implements,” she stated

    “Very soon, we will be starting the renewed hope women economic empowerment for 1000 petty traders in each state of the federation and the FCT. Our women will be supported with ₦50,000 each to recapitalize and support their businesses. Under our social investment program, there is a scheme that provides for assorted food items, moving from one state to another,” Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated.

    Earlier in  a remark, wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, while thanking the president’s wife for accepting to flag off the 2024 edition of August Meeting in the state, which she described as “an important and culturally symbolic month for women in Igboland”, added that Enugu women were “hugely inspired by the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, as it has stirred the spirit of self-reliance in women through its numerous empowerment programmes.”

    She said that the August Meeting was underpinned by the knowledge that governments alone could not possibly provide the entire needs of communities;hence, the need to bridge the needed gap and complement governments’ efforts.

    She also said that this philosophy inspired her pet project, Custos Care Foundation, through which she is making efforts to better the lives of Enugu women.

    “For instance, just a few months ago, we launched the Mama Care Initiative, which enrolled 1,701 expectant mothers into a one-year insurance scheme. This is in addition to the 100 expectant mothers, who were previously enrolled. This initiative was launched as a boost to the government’s effort to eradicate maternal and infant mortality in Enugu State.

    “Our August Meeting is also replete with similar leave-no-one-behind projects. It is such projects that have made the August Meeting a formidable socio-cultural and economic creation that has endured for ages,” Mrs. Mbah concluded.

    Also speaking at the event, Acting Managing Director of the Enugu State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, ENRUWASSA, Chika Mbah, called the women to action towards ending open defecation.

    She said sanitation was key to the health of the family, explaining that the Peter Mbah Administration had already begun the distribution of grants to communities towards the provision of water to end the open defecation scourge.

    Meanwhile, the women were gifted several items to usher in the 2024 August Meeting across Enugu communities.