All Posts in "Day: July 9, 2024"

We’ve Enough Prepaid Meters,IBEDC Tells Customers

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced the availability of meters following the recent acquisition of a new stock through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme.

This initiative aims to improve service delivery and address concerns over estimated billing among our valued customers,the power firm said in a statement on Tuesday signed Engr. Francis Agoha, its Acting Managing Director.

The statement quoted him as encouraging customers to register for meter acquisition through the dedicated platform at msms.ibedc.com.

This platform has been designed under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme to ensure a seamless and secure metering experience for all our customers,the statement said

On recent reports regarding unauthorized individuals collecting cash payments for meters and other services, Engr. Francis Agoha cautioned IBEDC customers against making cash payments to third parties.

“To safeguard your transactions, we recommend visiting our official website at msms.ibedc.com for meter registration and payments,” he emphasized.

” IBEDC provides multiple secure payment options including IBEDCpay, USSD,24-hour Self-Service Kiosks, IRecharge, and Fets Wallet, designed to facilitate convenient and secure customer transactions.

“For those who must make cash payments due to limited access to online services, Engr. Agoha underscores the importance of obtaining a valid receipt for every transaction.

“Ensure the receipt issued bears the customer copy to prevent any potential fraud.We urge all customers to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with unauthorized agents claiming to represent IBEDC,” added Engr. Agoha.

admin by — July 9, 2024 in Power 0
Some Of Our Staff Are Bandits’ Informants-VC FUDMA

Babatunde Solanke

Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State, has alleged the involvement of some university’s staff as informants to the bandits.

He disclosed this to journalists in Katsina on Tuesday,where he also said,the contacts of the suspected staffers have been given to a security agency for proper investigations.

According to him,while the school management is doing everything possible to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, the situation was getting aggravated.

“This issue of informants is worrisome, we have investigated those we are suspecting of giving out their colleagues and students’ information”.

”We have identified the suspected culprits and handed their contacts to one of the security agencies for further discreet investigations and awaiting their response”.

He maintained that, ” the suspects are our staff. We have the strong reasons for accusing them of being informants to bandits”.

admin by — July 9, 2024 in News 0
No Lesbian,Gay Rights In SAMOA Agreement -NBA

Mohammed Shosanya

President of the Nigerian Bar Association,Yakubu Maikyau SAN, has clarifiied on the raging issue that lesbian, gay rights etc are contained in the recently signed SAMOA Agreement entered into by Nigeria.

There has been criticisms in Nigeria that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ)
protection rights are pre-condition in the agreement before the country will access an alleged loan facility to the tune of $150,000,000, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Billion USD), only.

In a statement on Tuesday,the body’s President said there is nothing like lesbian, gay rights in the agreement.

“Contrary to the narrative being propagated either due to ignorance of the content of the agreement or, a deliberate intention to mislead the public (neither of which is good), I wish to state that there is no provision in the SAMOA agreement which requires Nigeria to accept or in anyway recognise LGBTQ or gay rights, either as a pre-condition for a loan of $150 Billion USD of at all.

“Instead, the agreement was expressly made subject to the local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting Nations.

“That is to say, the SAMOA agreement recognises, for instance, Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023 and of course, the Supremacy of the Consutution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“If this were not the case, the NBA would have since advised the Federal Government not to enter or engage in any form of partnership or agreement that has the ability to undermine the sovereignty of our nation in anyway.

“For avoidance of any doubt, the SAMOA agreement does not, in any way, seek to compromise our existing legislations nor undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria” the NBA President added.

Maikyau implored all stakeholders, who had the opportunity of engaging with Government on the agreement prior to its execution, and others who have read and understood the objective of the agreement to endeavour to educate the public on its true content.

He emphasized the need for caution and proper education of the public on the issue as the negative narratives on the agreement are being pushed and propagated along very sensitive lines of faith, culture and morality.

He said prior to the signing of the SAMOA agreement, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning sought the Association as a major stakeholder in the polity, to look at the agreement.

He stated that a committee was set up by the NBA to vet, evaluate and advise on the agreement accordingly.

The SAMOA Agreement (named after the Central South Pacific Ocean country of Samoa, where the agreement was signed), is a broad legal framework between the European Union (EU) member states and more than half of the 79 members of the Organisation of African, Carribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).

It is meant to serve as a basis upon which subsequent specific agreements can be negotiated between the European Union and the Federal Government, its sub-nationals and/or the private sector.

The agreement covers six (6) main areas, namely: democracy and human rights, sustainable economic growth and development, climate change, human and social development, peace and security, and migration and mobility.

admin by — July 9, 2024 in News 0
Rivers: Court Stops CJ,Assembly Clerk From Endorsing Oro-Wike Lawmakers’ Resolutions

Mohammed Shosanya

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an ex parte order barring the Chief Judge of the state and the Clerk of the State Assembly, from dealing with the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led lawmakers, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Justice Jumbo Stephen, also restrained the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon and the Clerk from endorsing any resolutions, articles of impeachment, or communications from them, before ordering all parties on the suit to maintain the status quo ante bellum that existed on July 5, 2024, until the motion for an interlocutory injunction is heard and determined.

The lawmakers,had in December 2023 defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting a legal battle over the legitimacy of the lawmakers.

The affected lawmakers includes, Hon. Dumle Maol, Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Hon. Christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Hon. Azeru Opara, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington, Hon. Ngbar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima, Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Hon. Loolo Isaiah Opuende and Hon, Abbey Peter.

Others are Hon. Igwe – Obey Aforii, Hon. Justina Emeji, Hon. Ignatius Onwuka Defendants, Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo, Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Hon. Barile Nwakoh, Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davios Arnold Oxobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus, Hon. Gerald Oforii and Hon. Wami Solomon.

The court declaration reads: “That an Order of Interim Injunction is hereby made restraining the 31st and 32nd Defendants from dealing or howsoever relating with the 1st-27th Defendants as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and from receiving, forwarding or howsoever acting on any resolutions, articles of impeachment or other documents or communication from the 1st — 27th Defendants, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction already filed herein.

“That the parties to this suit are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante in this suit as at 5th July 2024 pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction already filed herein.

“An order is hereby made for substituted service of the originating and other processes in this suit on the 1st— 30th Defendants by pasting the same at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters, opposite former NDDC headquarters, off Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“That this matter is hereby adjourned to the 15th day of July 2024 for the motion on notice for interlocutory”

In a separate development, an Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt on Monday, dismissed two appeals
marked CA/ PH/137M/2024 and CA/PH/145M/2024, filed by Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six others, seeking the validation local government council chairmen tenure elongation by six months, following the expiration of their three-year term, which elapsed since last month.

The Appellate Court, during a virtual sitting, found the appeals to be lacking in merit and consequently struck them out.

admin by — July 9, 2024 in News 0
MRA Seeks Immediate Release Of Kidnapped Journalists,Families

Mohammed Shosanya

The Media Rights Agenda (MRA),has expressed concern over the recent abduction of two journalists based in Kaduna State, along with their wives and children, and called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to secure their safe release in accordance with its duty to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers.

About 15 armed men had invaded the Dahjonu community in Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the night of Saturday, July 6, 2024, and abducted Mr. Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a reporter with The Nation newspaper; and Mr. AbdulRaheem Abdu of Blueprint newspaper, along with their wives and children.

In a statement issued in Lagos, MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, said the kidnap of the two journalists and their families is a heinous act that underscores the growing dangers faced by journalists in Nigeria and the urgent need for the Federal Government to fulfill its obligation to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers.

He added:”We unequivocally condemn the abduction and call on the Federal Government, as well as all relevant security and law enforcement agencies, to take all necessary measures to secure the immediate and safe release of these journalists and their families. The government must also act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators of this despicable crime to justice.”

He emphasized that the safety of journalists is vital to the preservation of media freedom and the protection of human rights, adding that journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, holding power to account, and fostering a democratic society, adding that any attack on them is an attack on the collective right of Nigerians to information and freedom of expression.

He noted that in addition to Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which makes the security of all Nigerians, including journalists, the primary purpose of government,the government also has an obligation under various regional and international instruments to which Nigeria is a party to ensure the safety of journalists, to properly and adequately investigate any attack against journalists and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

He urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists by taking concrete steps to protect media professionals from threats, violence and other forms of attacks, including ensuring that security agencies are adequately equipped and trained to respond to such incidents and that there is a clear and effective strategy for preventing future abductions and attacks on journalists.

He said MRA stands in solidarity with the families of Mr. Alabelewe and Mr. Abdu during what must be an incredibly difficult time for them, and called on all Nigerians to join it in demanding the safe return of the journalists and their families.

admin by — July 9, 2024 in Media 0
NNPC Explains Return Of Fuel Queues,Vows To Restore Normalcy

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,says the return of fuel queues in the Federal Capital Territory and some parts of the country,were due to disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorm.

The adverse weather condition has also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs and transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer,NNPC Ltd said in a statement on Monday.

The statement also quoted that due to flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, it was impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning.

Adherence to these regulations,the statement said,is mandatory as any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives.

It added:”Similarly, the development was compounded by consequential flooding of truck routes which has constrained movement of PMS from the coastal corridors to the Federal Capital, Abuja.

“The NNPC Ltd is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.

“Already, loading has commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided, and we are hoping the situation will continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy will restored.

“The NNPC also calls on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products”.

admin by — July 9, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
GTCO Eyes $1bn Profit

Mohammed Shosanya

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc has vowed that it would become the first financial institution in Nigeria to reach a $1 billion in profit.

Speaking at the ‘Facts Behind the Offer Presentation’ on the floor of Nigerian Exchange, the group managing director, GTCO, Segun Agbaje stated the naira devaluation has weakened the assets of banks operating in the country.

He stated that the Group was planning to raise N400.5 billion to be used for the growth and expansion of the Group businesses and the banking businesses, before the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) banking recapitalization exercise.

He said: “Banks need equity. We have just gone through about a 200 per cent devaluation of the naira. The balance sheets of banks have shrunk and as the ability to do business have reduced.

“With the federal government proposing a $1 trillion economy; we are not going to achieve a $1 trillion economy at this size of banks if you do not raise capital.

“We are going to grow the business in Nigeria and outside Nigeria and the non-banking businesses. It is impossible to do that without technology. When we do food and drink, it is about our customer experience. When we do fashion, it is about our customer experience and when we do banking, it is about our customer experience, and you cannot do that without the right technology platform”.

Speaking on growth strategy going forward, Agbaje highlighted that in Nigeria, GTCO plans to deepen the business, stressing that exposure to critical sectors would be bigger and stronger.

“Outside Nigeria, we are planning to invest in Senegal, because we think business is good there. We are going to grow in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Kenya,” he said.

He disclosed that the GTCO would go into an acquisition with a new capital, adding that the financial institution is going to change its core-banking software across its region.

In his speech,yhe group chairman, NGX Group Plc, Alhaji Umaru said that over the years, GTCO through its GTBank era to the HoldCo era has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, innovation, and leadership in the financial sector.

He expressed NGX Group’s commitment to supporting GTCO and other financial institutions in their recapitalisation efforts.

He added:“Our recent initiatives, such as the launch of the NGX e-platform, underscore our dedication to enhancing market efficiency and accessibility. Today’s presentation is a clear indication of GTCO’s proactive approach to engaging with the market and ensuring transparency in their capital raising activities”.

admin by — July 9, 2024 in Banking&Finance 0