The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has taken enforcement action against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) by imposing a fine of N200 Million for failure to comply with the prescribed customer band classifications for the tariff billing. AEDC is also being punished for non-compliance with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024 for AEDC. The decision to punish AEDC, according to NERC, was taken after a detailed review and customer feedback, which revealed that AEDC had applied the new tariff to all customer bands, contrary to the Order, which was designed to ensure fair billing practices. The regulatory body mandated AEDC to do the following immediately: a. Reimburse all customers in Bands B, C, D and E respectively that were billed above the allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the Order. b. Reimburse through the provision of the balance of customer tokens that the affected customers would be entitled to receive at the applicable rates and all token reimbursements shall be issued to the affected customers by 11 April 2024. c. Pay the sum of ₦200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) as a fine for the flagrant breach of the Commission’s Order. d. File evidence of compliance with the directives in a & c with the Commission by 12 April 2024. “The action by the Commission underscores its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector,” NERC said in a statement.
Controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has now become a convict after admitting before a Federal High Court in Lagos that he abused Naira. Before his conviction, the 31-year-old Bobrisky had said that he was not aware of the law on abuse of the naira. The cross-dresser, who refers to himself as Mummy of Lagos, said that he is a social media influencer with over five million followers. “I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money. “I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money. “I will not repeat it again. I regret my actions.” But Justice Abimbola Awogboro went ahead to convict him after a review of the facts of the case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested and charged Bobrisky to court on four counts of naira abuse.
Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has commissioned a state-of-the-art twin theatre suite on at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as part of its Hospital Support Programme. The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, commissioned the suite yesterday, April 3, with Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District; Senator Pam Mwadkon, representing Plateau North Senatorial District; Kachollom Daju (mni), Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health; and Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, former member of the NLNG Board of Directors in attendance. The JUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, and the Gbwom Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba were also among the dignitaries. The twin theatre suite initiative, according to a statement, is emblematic of NLNG’s broader HSP, which aims to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services across 12 Federal University Teaching Hospitals spanning Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Launched in 2022, the HSP has rapidly gained momentum, achieving notable milestones such as the establishment of a maternity centre at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), an intensive care unit (ICU) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), an obstetrics & gynaecology ward at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos and an intensive care unit (ICU) at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Yenagoa. Others are an occupational therapy and neuromodulation rehabilitation centre at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, a neurosurgical and stroke centre at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, and an accident and emergency unit at UNIUYO Teaching Hospital (UUTH). At the commissioning in Jos, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, represented by Andy Odeh, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, highlighted the urgent need to address the growing deficit in medical infrastructure and stem the outflow of skilled medical professionals from the country. He underscored NLNG’s proactive intervention as a crucial step towards bridging this gap and reinvigorating investments in healthcare. “NLNG’s commitment to elevating healthcare infrastructure mirrors our broader commitment to societal advancement. Through initiatives like the twin theatre suite at JUTH, we aim to instil confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, catalysing positive change and fostering a healthier future for all.” Dr. Mshelbila emphasised NLNG’s overarching vision to foster enhanced healthcare delivery, aligning with its mission to be a globally competitive LNG entity helping to build a better Nigeria. He urged the Federal Government and other corporate entities to follow suit in prioritising healthcare investments to ensure the well-being of the populace and drive sustainable development. In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang stressed the importance of healthcare accessibility and sustainability in fostering societal progress. He said that the new facility at JUTH would support access to critical surgical treatments and change the state’s healthcare narrative. “We sincerely thank you for putting Plateau State and Jos University Teaching Hospital in line for this project. “I was a patient at the hospital sometime in 2011, and I remember the queue I had to go through for the theatre. Today, the twin theatre will serve many people, and the turnaround time for the use of the theatre will be greatly reduced. “Therefore, many lives would be saved. We want to thank NLNG on behalf of the North Central region.”
As cloud descends on the preparations for the airlift of intending Nigerian pilgrim to Saudi Arabia for this year, 2024 Hajj, chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi has admitted that this is the moment of anxiety. Signing agreement with airlines in Abuja today, April 4, Arabi said: “we have gone through challenges together this year. As we were following up, so were you.” NAHCON boss noted that because of the challenges, the signing of the agreement with the airlines should have been done long ago, but expressed confidence that this year’s Hajj would not fail. “Expectations are there for a successful outing. “You did it in the past, nothing should stop you from doing it again.” Arabi said that both the commission and the airlines faced the challenges of this year’s Hajj together, saying however: “I am confident that we wouldn’t fail. “There are moments of anxiety; what we are about to do now, should have been done long time ago. Whatever it is, at least we are here today and we are going to do it.” NAHCON has been facing multiple challenges both in the country and from the host, Saudi Arabia, chiefly on the issue of the cost of pilgrimage, which has gone as high as N8 million for each pilgrim; the issue of Basic Traveling Allowance (BTA) and the need to fill the 90,000 quarter the host country allocated to Nigeria and several others.
The widow of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has reportedly married to her late husband’s younger brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu. Information reaching us showed that decision was made by the Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The ceremony was said to have reached its climax when the Umuegeolu kindred formally handed Betty over to Professor Wole Akeredolu, indicating the family’s desire to continue having Android within their fold after her husband’s death. It was said that prior to the symbolic gesture, customary offerings of kolanuts, palm wine and a she-goat were presented to the Umuegeolu kindred by the Akeredolus, in adherence to tradition. In response, Professor Wole Akeredolu expressed gratitude to the Umuegeolu kindred and the entire Emeabiam Community for their hospitality. He affirmed the Akeredolu family’s commitment to continue caring for Betty, acknowledging the support received during the mourning period and the interment ceremony held in Owo. The Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony, a traditional Igbo practice, signifies the transition of a widow back to her husband’s family following his passing. It involves the mutual agreement between both families, with rituals performed accordingly.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has admitted that the military personnel are still occupying Okuama community in Delta State to ensure thorough clean up of dangerous weapons hidden everywhere in the community. “We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon and search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft. “They have bought a lot of weapons. It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon, no explosive is left in the community.” The Chief of Defence Staff, who spoke on Arise TV, confirmed that arms and ammunition of the killed in-action troops have not been recovered. General Musa said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and residents of Okuama where the attack took place, have no access to the community because the security agencies are in serious operations in the area. “I can tell you that at the end of the operations, residents of the community will always go back.” It would be recalled that irate youths who are suspected residents of Okuama, working with some other suspects, on March 14, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers. The Defence Headquarters had said that the troops were attacked while responding to a distress call, arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State. Eight suspects have since been declared wanted in connection with the brutal murder of the military personnel.
A 35-year-old man, Abayomi Babalola, has been arrested for allegedly abducting and turning a housewife into a sex slave for three weeks, with the help of charms. Spokesperson for Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, told newsmen in Osogbo, the state capital, that the suspect, who lives in Modakeke, had used a magic ring, made for him by a cleric, to commandeer the victim, identified simply as Sofiyat, out of her husband’s house and move her to Modakeke, where she was kept as a sex slave. According to the Amotekun spokesperson, luck ran out for the suspect last week Friday when he took the victim to Campus Area in Ile-Ife and abandoned her by the roadside. After Babalola had left the vicinity, the woman suddenly regained her senses and raised the alarm, attracting some Amotekun operatives. After listening to her ordeal at the hands of Babalola, the Amotekun operatives trailed the suspect to his hideout in Sekona where he was eventually arrested. The statement read: “The suspect confessed that in September 2023, the victim, Sofiyat, approached him to help her sell her palm oil because that is the business he does. “Along the line, he asked her out, but she refused him, saying she was married. Babalola later approached a herbalist in Sekona who gave him some charms. “Since using the charm on her, he claimed that the woman had been listening and following his command. “He used the charm to control and make Sofiyat leave her husband’s house. “When the woman arrived at Babalola’s house in Modakeke, he changed her SIM card. “All that happened within three weeks, and he was sleeping with her randomly during the period.” Amotekun said that the victim also confirmed that she had approached the suspect to help her sell palm oil. “He asked her out, but she refused. Later, Babalola called and directed her to meet him in Modakeke. “When she got to Modakeke, he removed the SIM card from her phone and replaced it with a new one. “He locked her in his house and came around with food whenever he pleased. “On 29 March 2024, he came to the house to pick her up, and he dropped her at Campus Area in Ile-Ife. “Sofiyat later raised the alarm which attracted Amotekun operatives in the area, and the suspect was trailed to his hideout in Sekona where he was arrested.” The Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi said that the suspect has been transferred to the custody of the State Security Services for further interrogation and prosecution.
Many world Muslim leaders have turned down invitation from the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, for the breaking of Fast in this month of Ramadan over his approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict. As a result, the White House had to organise a toned-down iftar dinner to mark the holy month of Ramadan. President Biden engaged in discussions with the fee Muslim leaders and later shared a small dinner with senior Muslim officials in his administration, alongside First Lady, Jill Biden and Vice President, Kamala Harris along with her husband. White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre informed reporters that President Biden opted for a meeting with Muslim community leaders instead of a dinner, acknowledging their preference. Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency room doctor who had recently spent time in Gaza, walked out of the meeting early, citing respect for the suffering endured by many and expressing his inability to continue participating. Ahmad, the sole Palestinian-American present, highlighted the lack of substantive response from President Biden during the encounter. This year’s event contrasts starkly with last year’s Eid reception, where President Biden was cheered by attendees, emphasising, “It’s your house.” Notable figures such as Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, both vocal critics of Biden’s Gaza policy, were among the attendees. Emgage Action, a Muslim American advocacy group, declined the invitation to the dinner, citing objections to Biden’s unwavering military support for Israel, which they argue has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Many in the Muslim, Arab, and anti-war communities have voiced discontent with the administration’s backing of Israel and its military offensive in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in the densely populated enclave. The United States remains a leading provider of foreign aid to Israel and has repeatedly vetoed UN resolutions, calling for a ceasefire during the Gaza conflict that erupted following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October. The U.S. abstained from a subsequent resolution in late March. Hamas’ initial attack on Israel reportedly resulted in 1,200 casualties, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel’s military operation in Gaza has led to over 32,000 casualties, according to local health authorities, fueling allegations of genocide that Israel denies. Meanwhile, Muslim and anti-war groups held a protest iftar near the White House, distributing dates and water bottles to break the fast at sunset.
A Nigerian cross-dresser, Mr. Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over currency mutilation and abuse of naira notes. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told Channels Television in a telephone chat today, April 4, that the cross-dresser was arrested in Lagos yesterday night. “He (Bobrisky) was arrested Wednesday night in Lagos,” the anti-graft agency official told our correspondent. “He has been detained at our Lagos Office and will be charged to court.” Bobrisky has been in the news for various controversial reasons, including winning the “Best Dressed Female” Award at a movie premiere on March 25, 2024, a development which many entertainers attacked.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised alarm over the proposed 300% increase in electricity tariffs, cautioning against its implementation amidst the current economic challenges facing Nigerians.
With rising food prices and widespread hunger, the NLC warns that such a hike would exacerbate the hardship experienced by citizens.
Acting Deputy General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Ismail Bello, emphasized the need for the government to prioritize addressing immediate needs rather than imposing additional financial burdens on the populace.
The NLC’s stance reflects a broader call for social responsibility and consideration for the welfare of the Nigerian people during these challenging times.
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