The Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu has described those who are still selling metres to electric consumers in Nigeria as “agbero” and touts. The Minister, who gave details of his ministry’s achievements and challenges at a weekly media briefing at the Presidential villa, Abuja today, March 3, said that such people are being monitored for action. He made it clear that the metres are meant to be given to the consumers free in the government’s determination to place all consumers on metre. The Minister said that serious punitive measures have been identified to be meted out to the culprits who he insisted are saboteurs. Abubakar Aliyu stressed that President Muhammadu Buhari is firm on his stance that all Nigerian’s must be metered to improve fairness and transparency in the NESI. “To that effect, the National Mass Metering Program was launched through a partnership between the Central Bank of Nigeria and the NERC. “This led to commitments to finance over N200 billion for DISCOs to meter all Nigerians in an accelerated fashion (through concessionary lending). Currently 1 million meters have been rolled out under the first phase. Accelerated procurement is ongoing for the second phase of 4 million meters with critical focus on local manufacturers to provide jobs through the program. “The first phase generated 10,000 jobs in installation and assembly. We anticipate that the second phase contracts will be awarded by the end of the 1st Quarter. There will be a third phase that will provide an additional 2 million meters funded through the World Bank. “It should noted that each meter for a household covers up to 5 citizens. We aim to provide meters for all households and eliminate the metering gap. In the interim, the Capping Regulation is being enforced by NERC to ensure that arbitrary estimated billing is curtailed. NERC is finalizing the launch of a large customer complain center to ensure that instances of abuse by market players are reported and addressed expeditiously. “To ensure adequate training for meter installers, the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) is looking to partner with N-Power to train 5,000 meter installers as we kick off the 2nd phase.”
The Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, Dr. Leon Usigbe, escaped death yesterday night when a group of armed Robbers attacked him in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the armed robbers attacked and stabbed him in several parts of his body, living him with deep cuts on his right hand and backside.
The information had that Dr. Leon had just left a meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives Caucus hosted by the House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elemelu, at his Lobito Crescent, Wuse residence.
It was learnt that the robbers, who were speaking Hausa language, swooped on him as he alighted from his car to mount a reflective triangle behind, just as the engine suddenly went off at the traffic stop.
The bad boys were said to have grabbed him by his neck from behind and indiscriminately unleashed sharp objects on his body, almost severing his right thumb.
The robbers succeeded in dispossessing him of his two mobile phones, including an iPhone 13 pro and Samsung Galaxy A32 series, before disappearing into the wasteland opposite the Phase 4 Federal Secretariat.
Drenched in his own blood, he managed to walk to the nearby police post at the Federal Secretariat where some policewomen on duty conveyed him to the State House Medical Centre for treatment.
His wounds were stitched up before being discharged today, March 2.
We in Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper send our sympathy to the Editor and prayer for his quick heal.
Hundreds of women from different groups have occupied the gate of the National Assembly in protest against the rejection of women-related bills by the lawmakers.
The women, who were armed with various placards expressing their displeasures over the development turned down the various entreaties to them to leave with assurances that their issues would be addressed and insisted that Lawan and Gbajabiamila, must come out to listen to them and do something urgently to reintroduce the bills that were rejected.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, came out to speak to them, but they refused.
Also, a ranking senator, Robert Boroffice, led a delegation of senators to appeal to the women, but they also refused.
Borroffice said they were from the National Assembly leadership and assured that their message would be taken back and dealt with, but the women were not to be deterred.
The protesting women also refused to listen to other delegations of lawmakers from the House of Representatives led by the House Deputy Whip Rep Nkiruika Onyejeocha (APC-Abia)
The women, who vowed not to leave the vicinity of the Complex until their demands were met, sat on the floor to convince any doubting Thomas that they were not ready to leave in a hurry.
One of their leaders, Dr Abiola Afolabi, said the treatment of the bills by the National Assembly was a manifestation of historical injustices against Nigerian women over the years
Dr Afolabi said it was unfortunate that the women were being treated shabbily when they have so much to contribute to making the country better.
She said what the women requested in the constitutional amendment was just the bare minimum as there is still a lot of issues to be addressed, adding that the constitution was discriminatory against women.
Afolabi said that the womenfolk were ready to rise up and take their destiny in their hands and called on women across the country to rise up to the occasion.
Other women leaders who spoke one after the other said that they felt disappointed and betrayed because they had the assurance of the National Assembly that the bills would be passed.
According to them, “Nigerian women are disappointed and aggrieved at the actions of the 9th National Assembly (NASS) today Tuesday, March 1, 2022, when they denied women the opportunity of inclusion and representation in governance by voting against the gender bills. The NASS has spoken loud and clear that they do not want progress for society: for mothers, aunties, sisters, wives, and for daughters.
“It is particularly sad that in a month globally dedicated to celebrating women worldwide, our NASS has chosen to deny women basic human rights, particularly, the right to identity and belonging.
“The proposed gender bills in the 5th Constitution Alteration Bills that were all rejected are Bills targeted at addressing the current gender imbalance across the legislative arm of governments across the country, whilst reducing the under-representation of women in political office.
“The men of the 9th NASS have reinforced the discrimination and political bias against women as enshrined in the 1999 constitution by denying citizenship to a foreign-born husband of a Nigerian woman. (While it allows Nigerian men’s foreign-born wives to be awarded automatic citizenship).
“The men of the 9th NASS by their actions have taken us backwards. Their actions undermine the importance and relevance of women’s contribution to the governance of Nigeria including the key role women play to bring victory to political parties in elections at all levels across the country. They also voted against diaspora voting!
“Nigerian women, therefore, demand that all gender Bills be reconsidered. Ultimately, our demands will benefit not just women but Nigeria as a whole. More women in governance will only bring progress, and respect for Nigeria in the committee of nations. We cannot, in 2022, be negotiating the rights of women and the sanctity of the dignity of girls. We call on the National Assembly to represent these Bills as a matter of urgency and ensure that they are passed”
The groups gathered for the protest include the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), Federation of Muslim Women Association (FOMWA), Women Organisation for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (WOCAN), Association of Women in the Arts (AWITA), Women In Business (WIMBIZ), Action Aid, Yiaga Africa, the Islamic Youth League, among others.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Whip, Rep Nkiruika Onyejeocha on Wednesday expressed disappointment over members’ votes against Bills on women’s inclusiveness in governance.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Hon. Onyejeocha said if the bills had passed, it would have helped close the gap where Nigeria is ranked 184 out of 187 in the world ranking of women’s participation in politics.
She explained that the reason for the proposed additional reserved seat for women in parliament was because the male folks were not ready to give out space for the female from the already existing 469 seats at the federal level as well as that at the states level.
The lawmaker opposed the argument that the voting by members was culturally and religiously motivated.
According to her, members from the North whom I sat close to at the plenary of which many claimed they will be against the bills concerning women voted in favour of the bills.
Also speaking on the outcome, the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Kedem Tallen, said the situation was a show of shame.
The women in the early hours of today, March 2, gathered at the three arm zone and marched to the National Assembly gate chanting songs of solidarity against the move by the lawmakers..
The protesting women, in their numbers, blocked the Federal Secretariat/Eagle Square axis of the National Assembly in the early hours of the day and insisted that they would not leave until the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, came out to address them on the issues they described as “a matter of urgent public importance.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved $8.5 million dollars to the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Humanitarian, Disaster Management, and Social Development, for the immediate evacuation of over 5,000 Nigerians stranded in Ukraine as a result of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
According to a tweet post by Personal Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, Bashir Ahmad, on his official Twitter account, this was made known by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Zubairu Dada was said to be speaking to State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting today, March 2.
The minister said that three aircrafts to be provided by Air Peace and Max Air, would be dispatched to 4 countries today.
The minister said that the countries where the pickup flights would be headed include – Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania. Two flights from Air Peace and one from Max Air are expected to carry out the evacuation exercise.
Zubairu Dada said that all agencies are fully resourced to ensure that aircraft leave on Wednesday to begin the evacuation. They noted that the flights will embark on a number of shifts until the process is complete.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geofrey Onyeama, had earlier, during a meeting with members of the House of Representatives and the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), announced that the evacuation of Nigerians from Ukraine had been slated to commence on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
This is as the Romanian and Hungarian governments granted visa-free access to Nigerian nationals and students stranded at the Ukrainian border.
The Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, Dr. Leon Usigbe, escaped death yesterday night when a group of armed Robbers attacked him in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the armed robbers attacked and stabbed him in several parts of his body, living him with deep cuts on his right hand and backside. The information had that Dr. Leon had just left a meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives Caucus hosted by the House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elemelu, at his Lobito Crescent, Wuse residence. It was learnt that the robbers, who were speaking Hausa language, swooped on him as he alighted from his car to mount a reflective triangle behind, just as the engine suddenly went off at the traffic stop. The bad boys were said to have grabbed him by his neck from behind and indiscriminately unleashed sharp objects on his body, almost severing his right thumb. The robbers succeeded in dispossessing him of his two mobile phones, including an iPhone 13 pro and Samsung Galaxy A32 series, before disappearing into the wasteland opposite the Phase 4 Federal Secretariat. Drenched in his own blood, he managed to walk to the nearby police post at the Federal Secretariat where some policewomen on duty conveyed him to the State House Medical Centre for treatment. His wounds were stitched up before being discharged today, March 2. We in Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper send our sympathy to the Editor and prayer for his quick heal.
No fewer than 71 Civil Society Organisations (CSO) have kicked against the move by the National Assembly to grant immunity to its members, as well as to the Judicial Officers through the alteration of section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.
In a petition, the CSOs also asked for the cancellation of the immunity currently enjoyed by the President, Vice President, State Governors and their deputies.
According to them, one of the greatest weaknesses of the Fourth Republic is the immunity clause that protects the President, the Vice President, the Governors and Deputy Governors from prosecution while in office.
The petition reads:
While the original intention of the Constitution was to protect such officers from frivolous suits, in practice, many such office holders have abused the immunity they enjoy by recklessly engaging in criminal activities including corruption and other forms of abuse of office.
It is for this reason that there have been persistent calls by proponents of good governance to eliminate the clause altogether.
It is also for this reason that the undersigned organisations and individuals are alarmed by the surreptitious attempt by the National Assembly to expand the immunity clause to cover the legislative and judicial arms of government at both the State and National levels.
The proposed constitutional amendment has the dangerous potential to widen the non-accountability circle for more public officials and create conditions for the escalation of criminal acts of corruption, abuse of office and breaches of the rule of law as public officials would be emboldened to think they are above the law.
Although there are many legitimate demands for constitutional amendments by Nigerians, extending the immunity clause has never been part of it. Instead, one of the demands that has featured consistently is for the complete abrogation of the immunity clause.
We note that as the legislature moves to vote and adopt the proposed 68 amendments to the Constitution, the ruling classes in Nigeria, most especially in the National Assembly have failed to include pro-people amendments to resolve the vexatious issues of indigeneship/settler dichotomy, true devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, resource control, constitutional backing for the office of the auditor general and improvement of the security architecture since 1999.
Nigerians have also been complaining about the failure of the National Assembly to carry out an amendment separating the office of the Attorney-General of Federation and Minister of Justice to prevent political interference in the justice system.
We urge the National Assembly to prioritise amendments that are beneficial to citizens as outlined above rather than indulge in self-serving amendments that would place them on a pedestal that is above the law of the land.
Signed by the following groups working on constitution amendment and good governance in Nigeria:
SIGNED BY:
1) Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
2) Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
3) Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC)
4) Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
5) Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
6) Partners for West Africa – Nigeria
7) Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
8) Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP)
9) Falana Falana Chambers
10) International Refugee Rights Initiative (IRRI)
11) Zero-Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
12) Accountability Maternal New-born and Child Health in Nigeria (AMHiN)
13) Partners on Electoral Reform
14) State of the Union (SOTU)
15) African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
16) National Procurement Watch Platform
17) Say NO Campaign—Nigeria
18) Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civil Education (CHRICED)
19) Social Action
20) International Press Centre
21) WANGONET
22) Community Action for Popular Participation
23) Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
24) Global Rights
25) Project Alert
26) Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
27) Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE)
28) Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA)
29) Tax Justice Nigeria
30) Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria
31) Women In Nigeria
32) African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
33) Centre for Social Justice
34) HURIDAC
35) Protest to Power
36) Network on Police Reform in Nigeria(NOPRIN Foundation)
37) Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre(RULAAC)
38) Education As a Vaccine Against Women
39) Baobab for Women’s Human Rights
40) Nigerian Feminist Forum
41) Alliances for Africa
42) Space for Change
43) CLEEN Foundation
44) Northern Alliance Movement
45) Order Paper Nigeria
46) Women In Media Communication Initiative
47) Transition Monitoring Group(TMG)
48) Women Being Concern Nigeria
49) Centre for Awareness on justice and Accountability
50) Coalition of Northern Groups
51) Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA)
52) Garkuwa Arewa Foundation
53) Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa(CAPPA)
54) Health Mother Earth Foundation(HOMEF)
55) Women In Nigeria
56) Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC)
57) Nigerian Women Trust Fund
58) Women Empowerment and Legal Aid(WELA)
59) BudgiT Foundation
60) Conference of Northern states Civil Society Networks
61) Basic Rights Action
62) Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution
63) Kano Civil Society Forum
64) Network for Development Foundation (NDF)Kano
65) Organization for Community Civic(OCCEN)
66) Citizens for Development and Education
67) Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civil Education (CHRICED)
68) Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative(WRAPA)
69) Socio Economic Rights & Accountability (SERAP)
The Oyo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Oke-Ogun College of Management Sciences and Technology, Iseyin.
The State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Rahman Abiodun Abdu-Raheem, who gave the order today, March 1, said that the institution was shut down for non-compliance with registration procedures.
He said that the closure was preceded by a petition from some indigenes of the State, under the auspices of ‘Ebedi Frontliner’, complaining that the institution was neither registered nor accredited for students’ enrolment among other allegations.
Barrister Abdu-Raheem advised the Proprietors of the College to always do the needful, adding that this will avoid unnecessary embarrassment to them and the state government.
Barrister Abdu-Raheem had last month, invited and directed the Proprietor of the College, Mr. Adewale Owoseni to remove all billboards with the inscriptions of the school, until the needful is done.
The Commissioner stressed the determination of the State Government to ensure that due process is followed in all affairs of the state.
Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have formally agreed to supply gas from Nigerian offshore fields to the neighbouring Equatorial Guinea’s Gas Processing Facility at Punta Europa.
In a Memorandum of Understanding which the two countries signed today, March 2, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who signed for Nigeris said: “the execution of this MOU meets one of the imperatives of the decade of Gas in Nigeria.”
The Minister said that while Nigeria has been focused on the domestic gas agenda, “we are keeping an eye on the global gas market as well.
“Nigeria has huge gas resources, a significant amount of which is offshore and will require unprecedented investment in infrastructure to bring them to market.
“This collaboration allows much of that stranded gas to access the global gas market within 18 to 24 months in what will be the fastest timeline to market for a Nigerian offshore gas asset. This is possible because Equatorial Guinea brings to the table a major portfolio of world class gas processing and liquefaction infrastructure already in place in Punta Europa, coupled with investment funds for development.
“Additionally, the project which envisions an offshore gas pipeline development will also create huge in-country local content opportunities for pipeline and other infrastructure service providers. This is in addition to accelerated royalty revenues that come from producing many gas fields that would have otherwise remained stranded.”
This was even as the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea, Gabriel Nguema Obiang Lima, said that the execution of the MOU is a great example of the South-South cooperation between neighbouring Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
“As the global geopolitics of natural gas evolves and within the context of the world transitioning to a lower carbon footprint, it is imperative that we think differently on how to remain an important player in energy markets.
“New, fast, and competitive sources will be a major determinant of success.
“This strategic collaboration breaks down geographical boundaries and allows delivery of gas from Nigeria to Equatorial Guinea’s Punta Europa facilities, extending their life and providing access to the regional and global energy markets.
“The NNPC and its’ JV partners get a unique opportunity to monetize gas that would have otherwise been stranded offshore due to absence of infrastructure.”
The MOU kicks off a strategic economic collaboration across the Gulf of Guinea wherein Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves compliments Equatorial Guinea’s world class Gas Processing and Liquefaction infrastructure.
Recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Act coupled with “Nigeria’s Decade of Gas” initiative together create an enabling environment which has triggered conceptualisation of this project, facilitating major investment inflow from Equatorial Guinea into Nigeria.
The project also signals the joint effort of the two countries in working towards a greener energy world.
A female journalist who herself has made it big in the profession, Olori Janet Afolabi has paid tribute to late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Mohammed Yakubu and other founders of the famous Newswatch magazine for the opportunity they offered her to blossom into an excellent professional journalist. In a book titled: “The Masters who Trained Me,” publicly unveiled in the Palace of Alapomu of Apomu, headquarters of Isokan local government area of Osun state, Olori Janet Afolabi said that the book is a book of tributes to her mentors in Journalism. Olori Janet Afolabi, who is a CNN award winning journalist acknowledged that the cream of Newswatch top journalists guided, trained and tutored her till she decided that their efforts deserve to be documented for posterity. “It is acknowledgment of excellence of the work of the most famous Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed, Soji Akinrinade, Nosa Igiebor and Dare Babarinsa.” Olori Janet Afolabi who is a publisher and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, said that she wrote the book to “honour these renowned journalists who trained, drilled and molded me into someone with valuables skills. They gave me media platform to operate, explore and express myself. They gave me wings to fly in the winds of journalism travails and triumphs. “I want to appreciate them while they are alive. I am expressing my gratitude by giving them a gift that will live after them. The gift is this book. My experience with each of them and the techniques of news writing they taught me are chronicled in the six chapters of the book.” The book was unveiled as part of the activities to mark the second coronation anniversary of Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi the Alapomu of Apomu. Presenting the book to the guests, the General Manager/Editor-In-Chief of Vanguard Newspapers, Gbenga Adefaye described the book as an important gift that should last till eternity. Adefaye who is a former two term President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) said: “Olori Janet Afolabi could be regarded as a famous journalist and not just that, but an award winning journalist who has won local and international awards. He appreciated Olori Janet for remembering those who took her on the journey of learning to become a master and successful journalist. He said that the book is a source of material for the younger generation of journalists and journalism students. He added that the book is also an addition to the existing literature on Nigerian Media Industry. According to him, the history of journalism in Nigeria would not be complete without the contributions of these great men who have trained and mentored some of the best hands in journalism. “They are indeed an asset to the world of journalism.” Among those who attended the event were the Alaafin of Oyo, Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Secretary to State Government, Oluwole Oyebamiji who represented Osun state governor, Gboyega Oyetola; Asoya of Isoya who represented the Ooni of Ife, Akarigbo of Remo, Babatunde Amoo; Onire of Ire, Ekiti State Olowu of Owu kuta. Other personalities include Waheed Olagunju, Former Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Marouf Olanrewaju; Majority leader of Osun state House of Assembly, Yemi Lawal; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Osun state, Marouf Akinremi; Chairman Isokan Local Government area of Osun state, Soji Akinrinade; former Executive Director/Editor in Chief, Newswatch magazine, Mustapha Isa; President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Bolaji Adebiyi; Managing Editor, ThisDay Newspaper/Vice President (West) Nigerian Guild of Editors, Dotun Oladipo who is the immediate past President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and Gabriel Akinadewo, Publisher Freedom Online.
Responding swiftly to the war between Russia and Ukraine, the world football governing body, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), has suspended Russia’s national teams from international football and all club sides from FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice. Russia is due to play Poland on March 24, 2022 in Europe’s World Cup qualifying play-off semi-finals, but the suspension will stop them from the process. By the FIFA’s action, Russia has forfeited the hope of taking part in the World Cup competition scheduled for November and December this year.
It also means that Russia cannot compete in this summer’s Women’s Euro 2022, hosted by England in July. It means also that Spartak Moscow’s elimination from the Europa League, where they were due to face RB Leipzig in the round of 16. Pressure began to be mounted on FIFA to act when Poland refused to play against Russia. Other football associations including England, Scotland and Wales followed suit in announcing their boycott of any game in which Russia is taking part.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
The Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, Dr. Leon Usigbe, escaped death yesterday night when a group of armed Robbers attacked him in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Hundreds of women from different groups have occupied the gate of the National Assembly in protest against the rejection of women-related bills by the lawmakers.
The Oyo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Oke-Ogun College of Management Sciences and Technology, Iseyin.
Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have formally agreed to supply gas from Nigerian offshore fields to the neighbouring Equatorial Guinea’s Gas Processing Facility at Punta Europa.
