Sierra Leonean Minister Resigns Over Incesant Power Outages, Takes Full Responsibility For The Crisis

April 27, 2024

The Sierra Leonean Minister of Power, Kanja Sesay has resigned from government over Incesant power outages in the country, saying that he took full responsibility for the crisis.
His resignation came after weeks of disruption in electricity supply which has been finally restored in most cities across Sierra Leone after a part payment was made for the $48m (£38m) utility bill it owed to a Turkish company, Karpowership.

Most electricity supplies to the capital, Freetown, is generated from a Turkish ship floating off the country’s coast.
Last week, Karpowership said it had severely cut supplies to the city, from 60 megawatts to 6 megawatt, citing backlog of unpaid bills.
Residents of the country’s main cities have been going for days on end without any power and hospitals have also been affected.
At least one infant has died because of a lack of power, while medics have been using mobile phones to provide light as they carry out procedures, Reuters news agency quotes a doctor as saying.
“How do you iron your clothes, how do you make your food, how do you go to sleep?
“We pay our electricity bills so I don’t see why we should be forced to live like this,” BBC quoted a second-year engineering student in Freetown, Fatmata Gassim as saying.
Following the resignation of Sesay, the office of President, Julius Maada Bio said the energy ministry would now fall under the direct supervision of the president.
Karpowership previously cut supplies to Sierra Leone in September over unpaid bills.
It is one of the world’s biggest floating power plant operators, with several African states relying on it for electricity.
In October, it briefly cut power to Guinea-Bissau, saying it had no option “following a protracted period of non-payment.”

Naira Appreciation: No Quick Fix, Says Ned Nwoko

April 27, 2024

The Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, has cautioned the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) against implementing measures that could artificially force the Naira to gain value against other currencies.

In a press statement made available to journalists recently, Nwoko advised that such measures would not address the underlying issues responsible for the Naira’s depreciation and urged a focus on stimulating Naira demand instead.

According to Nwoko, Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and respect among nations are tied to the value of its currency. He suggested that conducting transactions on exported commodities like crude oil exclusively in Naira would incentivize buyers to seek out the currency, driving its appreciation due to increased demand and scarcity.

Nwoko also questioned the foreign reserve policy, describing it as “objectionable” and “counterproductive” to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty. He noted that other nations like the United States, Britain, France, and Japan hold their reserves domestically, and wondered why Nigeria should perpetuate a practice that raises questions about its colonial legacy.

The lawmaker, who is also a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, acknowledged that the recent appreciation of the Naira was not solely due to the CBN’s new measures.

Instead, he attributed it to the decline in refined oil imports following the production and distribution of refined petroleum from the local Dangote refinery. He encouraged local production of other heavily consumed products to stabilize the currency, warning that without addressing the underlying issues, efforts against dollarization would fail.

Nwoko had previously advocated for crucial measures to combat dollarization and stabilize the Naira in a statement in January. While various measures have been implemented since then, he believes their efficacy is yet to manifest fully, as the root cause of Naira devaluation remains unaddressed.

Source: NAN

I’ve Lost 2 Reliable Allies; Sidi Ali And Baffa, Ex President Buhari Mourns

Greenbarge Reporters

April 26, 2024

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the deaths of his two reliable socio-political allies, Sidi Hamid Ali and Dr. Hafiz Baffa Yola.
In a statement today, April 26, by Garba Shehu, the former President was quoted as describing late Sidi Ali, who died today after a protracted illness as a renown journalist, author, and politician.

Buhari said that Sidi Ali was a creative writer who “won my admiration when he wrote an excellent book chronicling my war against the twin evils of corruption and indiscipline as Military Head of State and followed up with another publication on my accomplishments as an elected civilian president.”
Buhari said that Sidi Ali also won the heart of many people “through his critical writings and the two books he wrote about me. He was a creative writer.
“My condolences to his family and admirers.”
On late Dr. Hafiz Baffa Yola, who also died today after a protracted illness too, Buhari said that the deceased was his special assistant on political matters, in the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
He described the deceased as “a famous medical doctor.”
Garba Shehu said that Buhari sent the condolence message to Abdulrahman Baffa Yola, a younger brother of the deceased, where he said that Dr. Baffa lived, not for himself but for the family, Kano community, and the nation.
He prayed to Allah to repose the souls of the deceased.

We’ll Refund $760,910 Which Ex Kogi Gov Paid As School Fee For His Kids – American International School

Greenbarge Reporters

April 26, 2024

The American International School of Abuja (AISA) has admitted that the immediate past Governor of Kogi State paid a total of $845,852 as school fees for his children, starting from 2021 to the end of their studies in the school.
In a letter addressed to the Lagos zonal commander of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the school said the sum of $845,852 was paid in tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date,” but that the sum to be refunded to the EFCC “is $760,910, because it had deducted educational services already rendered.
“Please forward to us an official written request, with the authentic banking details of the EFCC, for the refund of the above-mentioned funds as previously indicated as part of your investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello family.”
In the letter signed by Greg Hughes, the school said: “Since the 7th September 2021 to date, $845,852.84 (Eight Hundred and Forty Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Two US Dollars and eighty four cents) in tuition and other fees has been deposited into our Bank account.
“We have calculated the net amount to be transferred and refunded to the State, after deducting the educational services rendered as $760,910.84. (Seven Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten US Dollars and Eighty Four cents).
“No further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition as the students’ fees have now been settled until they graduate from ASIA.”
The school promised to draw the attention of the anti-graft agency if there are any further deposits by the Bello family.
The letter did not indicate that it was Yahaya Bello that paid money, but that “Ali Bello contacted the school on Friday 13 August 2021 requesting to pay the family school fees in advance until the students graduate from High School.”
The letter came as a result of the ongoing investigations by the EFCC on the alleged money laundering hanging on the head of the former Governor.
The anti-graft agency had to write to the American International School of Abuja to refund the sum of $760,910.84 paid for the children of ex governor Yahaya Bello.
The EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede said at a press conference earlier in the week that Yahaya Bello withdrew $720,000 from the state’s coffers to pay his children’s school fees in advance.
The EFCC boss alleged that the former Kogi governor transferred money from the state coffers to a bureau de change operator, and used the money for his child’s school fee.
“A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved money directly from the government to Bureau de change and used it to pay his child’s school fee in advance.
“Yahaya Bello took $720,000 from Kogi coffers to pay child’s school fees in advance.
Court documents show the school’s response asking the anti-graft agency to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees leaked on social media.
The ex-governor’s children are in grade level 2 to 8 at the school.

DSTV, GOtv Subscribers Cry Out As Multichoice Increases Monthly Subscription Fees

Editorial staff

April 25, 2024

Multichoice, a satellite television service provider in Nigeria, has increased its monthly subscription fees for DSTV and GOtv, sparking outrage among subscribers.

The new rates, which took effect earlier this week, have been described as insensitive and exploitative.

Subscribers have expressed frustration and disappointment, feeling that the increase will further burden their already strained finances.

Many have taken to social media to vent their anger and call for a reversal of the price hike.

Multichoice has defended the increase, citing rising costs and the need to invest in new content and technology.

North Central APC Group Rejects Ganduje’s Confidence Vote

Editorial staff

April 25, 2024

The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has urged State Chairmen of the party from the region to disown the confidence vote passed on the embattled National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

The Forum’s Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, said the vote is not in the interest of the North Central region or the party, as the region has contributed immensely to the party’s development and deserves the National Chairmanship position.

Zazzaga argued that the North Central region has been instrumental in the party’s success, delivering five governors out of six states in the region and providing significant support for President Bola Tinubu’s election.

He stated that it is unfair for the region to be denied the National Chairmanship position, which is why they are pushing for the zoning of the position to the North Central region.

The Forum’s Chairman warned that if the State Chairmen from the region do not distance themselves from the confidence vote, they will face mass protests across the North Central states. He emphasized that the Forum is not meddling in Ganduje’s affairs but is fighting for the rights and privileges of the North Central region.

Imo Gov, Hope Uzodinma, Visits Muslim Hajj Commission In Abuja

Greenbarge Reporters

April 25, 2024

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma (second from right) paid a solidarity visit to the Headquarters of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), today, April 25. He was received by the Chairman of the Commission, Malam Jalal Arabi (third from right) and other members of the Commission’s Board.

119 Prisoners Escape In Suleja As Rain Storm Brings Down Fence, Cells

Greenbarge Reporters

April 25, 2024

No fewer than 119 prisoners have escaped from correctional center in Suleja, Niger State as a heavy downpour, which lasted for several hours, destroyed part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence.
The rain, which poured down uncontrollably yesterday night, April 24, brought down the Medium Security prison and surrounding buildings.

Confirming the incidence in a statement today, April 25, the Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command’s Public Relations Officer in the FCT Command, A S. Duza said that the Service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms and in conjunction with sister security agencies, have so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody.
“We are in hot chase to recapture the rest.”
He said that the Service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era, and that they are old and weak.
“The Service is making frantic efforts to see that all ageing facilities give way for modern ones. This is evidenced in the ongoing construction of six (6) number of 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria as well as the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of existing ones.
“The Service wishes to assure the public that it is on top of the situation and that they should go about their businesses without fear or hindrance.
“The public is further enjoined to look out for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency.”

Sokoto Govt Sacks 15 Traditional Rulers, 4 Others On Watchlist

Greenbarge Reporters

April 25, 2024

Fifteen traditional leaders have been dethroned by the Sokoto State Government for various offences. Four others are being investigated for other offences.
The offences, according to information reaching us, bordered on aiding insecurity, land racketeering and others.
The dethronement followed recommendations of the committee set up by Governor Ahmed Aliyu to review appointment of traditional leaders, renaming of higher institutions and dissolution of Governing Boards of parastatals other than the statutory bodies.
Their dethronement with immediate effect was announced by Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa.
Bawa said that seven other traditional leaders were retained while the District Heads of Sabon Birni local government and his counterpart from Binji were transferred to Gatawa and Bubkari districts respectively.
The statement reads: “District Heads of Tsaki and Asara are to retain their seats. Cases involving District Heads of Isa, Kuchi, Kilgori and Gagi were recommended for further investigation.
“The District Heads of Sabon Birni and that of Binji have been transferred to Gatawa and Bubkari Districts respectively .
“The District Heads of Unguwar Lalle, Yabo, Wamakko, Tullawa, Illela, Dogon Daji, Kebbe, Alkammu and that of Giyawa have been relieved of their appointments for various offences bordering on aiding insecurity, land racketeering, conversion of public properties for personal use amongst others.
“The District Heads of Marafan Tangaza, Sarkin Gabas Kalambaina, Bunun Gogono, Saekin Kudun Yar Tsakkuwa, Sarkin Tambuwal and Sarkin Yamman Toroankawa have all been dropped hence their appointments didn’t follow process.”
The government said that Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar has been retained as the Ciroman Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki Mohammed Maccido as Barayan Zaki, Abubakar Bukari Salame as Sarkin Arewan Salame, while Alhaji Aminu Aliyu Balle remained Sarkin Yamman Balle.
Others who retained their positions include Alhaji Mahmud Shahu Yabo as Sarkin Gabas Dandin Mahe, Alhaji Muntari Muhammad Tukur Ambarura as Sarkin Gabas Ambarura while Malam Isa Aliyu Rarah retains Saekin Gabas Rarah.”

Ex Kogi Gov Vs EFCC: Matter Takes Another Turn As He Questions Legality Of EFCC

Greenbarge Reporters

April 23, 2024

The battle between ex Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a new turn as the ex-governor insisted that the EFCC is an illegal organisation.
According to him, the Federal Government did not consult the 36 States of the federation before it enacted the EFCC Act through the National Assembly.
He argued that section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, required the various Houses of Assembly of states to ratify the Act before it could become operative.
“This is a very serious matter that borders on the constitution and the tenets of federalism. It has to be resolved because as it stands, the EFCC is an illegal organisation.”
The former Governor, who spoke through one of the lawyers in his legal team, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), told the Federal High Court in Abuja today, April 23 that his client was ready to appear to answer to the 19-count charge the EFCC, but was afraid that he would be arrested.
“The defendant wants to come to court but he is afraid that there is an order of arrest hanging on his head,” Adedipe submitted.
He urged the court to set aside the exparte order of arrest it earlier issued against the former governor.
Adedipe contended that as at the time the order of arrest was made, the charge had not been served on his client as required by the law.
He said that it was only at the resumed proceedings on Tuesday that the court okayed substituted service of the charge on the defendant, through his lawyer.
“As at the time the warrant was issued, the order for substituted service had not been made.
“That order was just made this morning.
“A warrant of arrest should not be hanging on his neck when we leave this court.”
Responding, the EFCC, lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), urged the court to refuse the application, insisting that the warrant of arrest should not be set aside until the defendant makes himself available for his trial.
Pinheiro said: “The defendant cannot stay in hiding and be filing numerous applications.
“He cannot ask for the arrest order to be vacated until and when the defendant is present in court for his arraignment.
“He cannot be heard on that application.
“The main issue should be ascertaining the whereabouts of the defendant.
“All these applications he is filing are nothing but dilatory tactics intended to delay his arraignment and frustrate the proceedings.
“If he wants the order of arrest to be discharged, let him come here and make the application.
“Our position is that the defendant should be denied the right of being heard until he is physically present before this court.”
The EFCC’s lawyer argued that in line with section 396 of ACJA, 2015, the court could not effectively assume jurisdiction to decide any application or objection in the matter until the defendant is arraigned.
The anti-graft agency said it would not execute the arrest warrant if counsel to the defendant undertook to ensure his presence on the next adjourned date.
“If he gives an undertaking that his client will be in court on the next date, I can assure him that the arrest warrant will not be executed.
“If he gives that assurance, as the prosecution, I will personally apply for the warrant to be discharged.”
The EFCC told the court that the Supreme Court had since settled the issue of its legality.
“The charge before this court is not against a state or House of Assembly, but against an individual who is said to have laundered public funds.
“It is against an individual who is said to have taken public funds to buy houses in Lagos, Maitama and also transferred funds to his accounts abroad.”
Source: Vanguard News.

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