All Posts in "Day: May 5, 2024"

We Knew Nothing About About Viral List Of Ex-Governors Being Investigated For Alleged Corruption-EFCC

Mohammed Shosanya

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,has dissociated itself from a phantom report circulating in sections of the media claiming it has released a full list of ex- governors being investigated for alleged corruption.

EFCC in a statement signed by Mr Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Commission noted that the report headlined: “EFCC Releases Full List of 58 Ex- Governors that Embezzled N2 .187 Trillion”, in one of the news outlets, is false and mischievous as the Commission neither issued the said list nor entertained discussions on investigation of ex-governors with any news medium.

A copy of the state made available to journalists in Ibadan the Capital City of Oyo State on Sunday, further stated that the so-called list is a disingenuous fabrication designed to achieve motives known only to the authors.

It added:”The public is enjoined to ignore the report as it is false and misleading.The media is advised to endeavour to crosscheck facts pertaining to matters under investigation with the Commission to avoid misleading the public with false and inaccurate reports”.

admin by — May 5, 2024 in News 0
Libel: Edo APC Deputy Governorship Candidate Demands N2bn Damages From PDP Spokesperson

Mohammed Shosanya

A member Representing Ovia Federal Constituency and the All Progressives Congress, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Rt.Hon Dennis Idahosa has demanded for a total sum of N2 billion as cost of damages from the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Olu Martins over a libelous statement.

In a writ of summons dated May 3, the claimant demanded for N2 billion as general, punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages against the defendant.

Idahosa further demanded for N15 million only being the cost of the action.

In the seven point demand of the claimant against the defendant, he demanded for a perpetual retraining order against the defendant and his agents from further writing, printing publishing online or causing to be written, printed or published online the same article or similar words that tend to defame the claimant.

An order directing the defendant to cause the withdrawal and removal of the article authored by him from the various social media outlets.

In the writ from the West-Idahosa SAN & Co law firm, the claimant also demanded for the retraction of the said article and a public apology acceptable by him to be published in the same media outlets he (Defendant) used.

Martins had written an article which tend to portray the claimant as a fraudstar.

The writ of summons had given the defendant fourteen days to appear in court or as the court may decide.

admin by — May 5, 2024 in Law/Human Rights 0
FG Unbundles TCN Into Two Entities

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Friday announced the unbundling of the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN) into two separate entities, to be known as ‘Nigerian Independent System Operator’ Nigeria Limited (“NISO”), Transmission Service Provider (TSP).

The directive was conveyed in NERC Order No: NERC/2024/45, dated 30th of April 2024, and
jointly signed by Sanusi Garba, and Musiliu Oseni, Chairman and Vice Chairman of NERC respectively, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.

According to the statement, the order seeks to mandate TCN to comply with the provisions of the Electricity Act (EA) on the incorporation of the ISO; provide clear directives to TCN to incorporate the ISO; and provide TCN with the procedure for the transfer of the assets and
liabilities of the market and system operations portion of the business that currently vests in TCN to the ISO.

The agency stated that the order shall take effect from May 1, 2024 and shall remain in force until amended or revoked by a subsequent Order issued by the Commission.

Giving a background to the rationale behind the unbundling of the agency, the NERC stated that: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc (“TCN”) as a successor company was issued 2 (two) separate licences to operate as the transmission service provider and system operator for the national grid system by the Commission.

“The repealed Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005 (“EPSRA” or the “Repealed Act”) envisaged that TCN would transfer the function of system operation for the national grid to an Independent System Operator (“ISO”).

“The Electricity Act (the “EA” or “Act”) 2023 came into effect on 9 June 2023 and this piece of legislation went beyond the Repealed Act by providing clearer guidelines for the incorporation, governance structure and licensing of the ISO, as well as the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the system operations portion of TCN to the ISO.

“Section 15 of the EA provides as follows on the incorporation and licensing of the ISO.The Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc (hereinafter referred to as “TCN”), being the successor company issued the license that covers Transmission Service Provider, market and system operation functions under the repealed Act shall in accordance with the terms of its license and within such stage or period of the market as the Commission may in a written directive specify, take such steps as are necessary under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 to incorporate an entity, the Independent System Operator which may be a company limited by shares or have such ownership and governance structure as the Commission may specify and the entity once incorporated pursuant to the provisions of this section shall immediately apply to the Commission and be licensed by the Commission as an Independent System Operator to carry out such market and system operation functions as stipulated under this Act its license and such terms and conditions as the Commission may direct.”

It added:”Upon incorporation and issuance of an ISO license by the Commission, pursuant to subsection (1) of this section the TCN shall transfer to the Independent System Operator (hereinafter called “the “ISO” in this Act), all the assets and liabilities held by the Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc pertaining to its market and system operation functions and the Independent System Operator shall be subject to such powers and duties of an independent System Operator under the terms of its license and the provisions of this Act in relation to market and system operation; the TCN shall retain its Transmission Service Provider license and shall be responsible for transmission assets and liabilities and perform such functions as are relevant to the development and maintenance of the power transmission infrastructure in accordance with the terms of its license as may be issued by the Commission and the provisions of this Act; the Commission shall, through an order put in place a clear plan and timeline for the transition process in subsections (1) and (2)
of this section above to avoid disruption of industry operations.

“The Commission hereby Orders as follows:
“BPE shall incorporate, no later than 31 May 2024, a private company limited by shares under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to carry out the market and system operation functions stipulated in the EA and the terms and conditions of the system operation licence issued to TCN.

“The name of the company shall, subject to availability at Corporate Affairs Commission, be the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (“NISO”).

“The object clause of the Memorandum of Association of the NISO as provided in section 16(2) of EA shall be as follows: to hold and manage all assets and liabilities pertaining to market and system operation on behalf of market participants and consumer groups or such stakeholders as the Commission may specify; to carry out all market and system operation-related contractual rights and obligations novated to it by the Transmission Company of Nigeria; to negotiate and enter into contract for the procurement of
ancillary services with independent power producers, successor generation licensees, etc and generally carryout market and
system operations functions as specified under the EA and the terms of its license in the interest of market participants and
system users; to carry out all market and system operation-related contractual
rights and obligations novated to it by the Transmission Company of Nigeria; the income and property transferred to it by the TCN or
whensoever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its objects as set forth in its incorporation Documents and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred
directly or indirectly by way of dividend, or bonus otherwise howsoever, by way of profit to the subscribers: provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the
payment in good faith of remuneration to any contractor or staff of the company in return for any services rendered to the Company” .

admin by — May 5, 2024 in Power 0
Olubadan:Ladoja,High Chiefs Bicker Over Terms Of Settlement

Mohammed Shosanya

Former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja and other kingmakers have disagreed on the signing of terms of settlement to facilitate the enthronement process of Olubadan-designate, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin.

While playing host to Mogajis in Ibadanland led by Chief Asimiyu Ariori at his Bodija residence,Ladoja showed readiness to withdraw the suit he initiated against members of Olubadan-in-Council on condition that the two parties must signed terms of settlement as prepared.

He said:”Myself and other members of Olubadan-in-Council have been sitting together and talking. We have accepted to withdrawal the case from court.

“I heard that they have started signing the agreement. After all of them had signed, I will also sign my own aspect, and the next day, we will file for withdrawal of the case from court”.

But on Thursday, other members of Olubadan-in-Council,who are defendants in the suit have argued that there is no need for signing of any terms of settlement paper as they have already abided by the 1957 declaration.

A meeting held on Thursday at Olubadan palace, Oja’ba had in attendance, Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Asipa Olubadan Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Asipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola, Ekerin Balogun, Oba John Isioye-Dada and Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande.

The Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, Otun Balogun Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade Salaudeen and Ekaarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeeez were absent at the meeting.

Oba Adebimpe,while speaking on behalf of other members of the Council in attendance at the meeting said that event has overtaken the term of reference as contained in the agreement paper, hence no need to sign it.

He said that they have resolved to comply with the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration which empowers the most Senior High Chief who is High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja to convene the meeting of Olubadan in Council.

According to him, events have overtaken the terms of settlement as stated in the paper being prepared for us to appendix our signatures.

“We have read through it and discovered that the terms of settlement have been met which is a strict compliance with the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration.

“We realized that our actions and deeds must be in accordance with the 1957 Declaration that is why we honoured his invitation for a meeting for the nomination of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“He had called a similar meeting that we all refused to attend but we were later made to know that we had acted contrary to the provision of the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration.Our attendance at the meeting showed that we are complying with the Declaration.

“The nomination letter is with the State government what is left now is for High Chief Ladoja to withdraw the pending case in court in order to facilitate the installation of the new Olubadan.”

Speaking in the same vein,the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi disclosed that similar scenario of litigation played itself out two years ago when the Governor insisted that he would not give any approval for enthronement of new monarch until the case is withdrawn.

According to him, “We had similar problem before the installation of the immediate past Kabiyesi, Late Oba Sen Lekan Balogun. We instituted a court case against the government.

“Because of this, the Governor insisted that he would not approve the installation of the new Olubadan until the case is withdrawn.The plaintiffs in the suit, ten of us came together and withdrew the case unconditionally from the court.

“Two years down the lane, same situation is playing itself out again. There is a case in court, not from our side but from our Otun Olubadan who has insisted that he would not join rank with us as crown wearing Kings but today the matter has been resolved.

“The new Olubadan has been recommended. We are waiting for the approval from the government but there is a case in the court that needs to be withdrawn.The terms of settlement as contained in the agreement paper that we are expected to sign has been overtaken with event.

“We are asked to sign that we will abide by the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration. We are already doing that. What are we signing again.The summary of the terms of settlement is that we are going to follow the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration in choosing another Olubadan.

“What does that Declaration says is that Otun Olubadan, the highest ranking on the other side will convene the meeting of the kingmakers.He called the meeting the first time but we refused to attend because our status are different.

“But we realized that we have acted outside the Declaration as we later complied with his directives.The nomination of the new Olubadan has reached the government. We are waiting for the approval.”

admin by — May 5, 2024 in News 0
Shell Nigeria Gas,Oyo Partner On Construction Of Gas Distribution Network

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo State Government and Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) have signed an agreement to develop a gas supply and distribution infrastructure that will deliver gas to industrial and commercial users in the state.

Shell Nigeria Gas will build and operate the gas distribution network, which will serve customers across Oyo State,for 20 years.

At the signing ceremony, Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, described the project as a catalyst for development in the state.

He said: “This project fits into our plan to drive innovation and industrialisation in Oyo State and we’re ready to partner with more companies and other organisations to enhance the delivery of relevant projects.”

Managing Director SNG, Ralph Gbobo, said the agreement was “a significant milestone for SNG and Oyo State to boost economic activities in Nigeria by supplying industries and manufacturers with natural gas, a more reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly source of energy.”

He explained: “The gas distribution project will be a game-changer in the industrialization drive of the Oyo State Government and help boost internally generated revenue and result in more job opportunities.

“For SNG the project is a milestone in our effort to continue growing the energy supply to businesses in Nigeria in line with Nigeria’s ambition to drive progress on the back of natural gas availability across Nigeria under the Decade of Gas initiative.”

The project will start with the construction of gas distribution infrastructure along 15km of pipelines route and will grow to deliver up to 60 million standard cubic feet of gas per day across the state. First gas is expected Q4, 2025.

Managing Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd and Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor,said: “This event points to the value of partnership as Shell continues to power progress in Nigeria through more and cleaner energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers.

‘Building on our presence in the country since the 1960s and the wide marketing and trading reach of Shell Energy, we are excited about developing gas distribution solutions and delivering competitive and reliable energy for power generation and industrial use across Nigeria.”

admin by — May 5, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Rivers:Wife To Die By Hanging For Killing Husband 

Mohammed Shosanya

A  Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced a woman identified as Telma Bestman to death by hanging for killing  her husband in Rivers State.

The court also sentenced one Wilson Okelekele for conspiring with Telma Bestman for the murder of Wagbara Bestman at his residence along Saint John axis of Rumuolumeni -Ogbogoro link Road, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Sunday, February 2020.

Delivering her judgment,t trial Judge, Justice Augusta Kingsley-Chukwu,held that the prosecuting counsel was able to prove the case of conspiracy and murder beyond reasonable doubt.

The court ruled that evidence presented to it by the prosecution proved that the accused wife, actually conspired with Wilson Okelekele to kill Bestman Wagbara.

The court stated  that the exhibits revealed that the accused woman opened the back door of the house leading to the main entrance of her husband’s room where her accomplice a security guard committed the act

Justice Kingsley-Chukwu,after considering all exhibits and arguments from both parties, sentenced the defendants to death, declaring that the duo should be hanged at their necks until they are confirmed dead.

The Chief State Counsel, Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu welcomed the judgment, describing it as well served deserved.

Ordu said: “We are happy, they can’t eat their cake and have it, they can’t just kill an innocent man, a full fledged man and expect to go scott free, the law doesn’t allow that.

“We are happy that the judgment went this way, we expected it and by God’s grace we have also gotten it today.”

Prince Ibojiekere Amadi, counsel for Wilson Okelekele, expressed his dissatisfaction over the judgment, adding that he would appeal the judgment.

He said:”Naturally,I will appeal the judgment because we are not satisfied with the judgment of the court.

“We will study the judgment of the court, then we will do the needful, we are not satisfied with the judgment.”

admin by — May 5, 2024 in Law/Human Rights 0