Akpabio wants accessible, affordable energy for Nigerians.

Akpabio wants accessible, affordable energy for Nigerians.

The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has tasked stakeholders in the energy sector to work toward accessible and affordable renewable energy for Nigerians in the nearest future.

Akpabio said this at the opening of the maiden Legislative Summit on Renewable Energy in Nigeria organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja on Monday.

Represented by Sen. Jarigbe Agom, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Akpabio said that Nigeria could be a force to reckon with in the renewable energy with little more efforts.

“Today, I must acknowledge, we stand at a crossroads, where the weight of responsibility falls upon our shoulders.

“Each and every one of us has a role to play in shaping the future we want to see. Together, let us rise to the challenge and seize the opportunities before us.

“Let us show the world that Nigeria is not just a consumer of renewable energy, but a trailblaser and innovator in the sector.

“Let us create a future where clean, affordable, and accessible energy is not just a dream, but a reality for all Nigerians,” he said.

Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas decried the inadequate electricity supply, cost of electricity and the effect of electricity powered by fossil fuel on the environment.

Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Victor Afam, Abbas said that Nigeria had infinite sources of alternative electricity which were unharnessed.

He said that full adoption of renewable energy would ensure instant electricity supply, stimulate economic activities in rural areas, create jobs, reduce cost of electricity and carbon emission.

He said that the house would be looking forward to the outcome of the summit and would be willing to amend the Electricity Act to boost supply of clean energy in the country.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman said that following the passage of the 5th Constitution Alteration Act and the Electricity Act 2023, the institute found it expedient to initiate the annual Legislative Summit on Renewable Energy.

He said that it was important because the two new laws had made the transition to renewable energy in Nigeria more feasible and easier both at the national level and state level.

The DG said that a major significance of the alteration is the removal of the restriction on the control and regulation of electricity in states to only areas not covered by national grid.

“Sates can now regulate electricity generation and distribution within their domain; this means that renewable and fossil energy sources can co-exist in states.

“This however raises some issues that need to be resolved by Acts of the National Assembly. An example is the issue of security threats through attacks of state controlled electricity plants.

“Another is the issue of sale of renewable electricity by states to international, particularly border nations, these actions require national laws for proper regulation.

“These realities call for action and more work to be done in acquainting legislators at both National and State Houses of Assembly on how to maximise the gains of the 5th alteration and Electricity Act 2023 in fixing the electricity problem in Nigeria,” he said

Cross River Customs intercept elephant tusks worth N300m.

Cross River Customs intercept elephant tusks worth N300m.

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 52 units of elephant tusks in Mfum, a border town of Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.

The Area Comptroller of Cross River/CFTZ/Akwa Ibom Command of the NIS, Ahmed Waziri, said this at a news conference in Calabar on Monday.

Waziri said the arrest was made by the operatives of the NIS in Mfum on Thursday, adding that the tusks weighing 200kg were valued at N300 million.

He said that a Cameroonian, Mohammed Ibrahim, was arrested with the items, saying that the suspect was suspected to be on his way to Lagos for onward transportation of the items to another location when he was apprehended.

He said that preliminary investigation had revealed that the suspect specialised in the exportation of the tusks across international borders.

The Comptroller noted that the suspect was apprehended with a Honda SUV truck with number plate FST 733 HH.

He said that a pistol with live ammunition was also discovered inside the truck.

“The suspect has two Nigeria number plates (Lagos): FST 733 HH and (CMR) LT 214 AY. A service pistol was discovered inside the vehicle with live ammunition.

“This arrest should be a warning that Nigeria will not be used as a transit route for illicit products.

“They should also know that Nigeria is a signatory to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), an international agreement between governments.

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“It is important our border communities wake up and live up to their responsibilities because many of such items pass through their domain in most cases without their knowledge,” he said.

Waziri added, “The communities have a role to play, as security is everybody’s business, so we must be vigilant.

“The suspect carried those items from Cameroon using Nigeria as a transit route probably to his final destination.

“The suspect is with us, and the goods are at the government warehouse.

“I want to commend my eagle-eyed officers at Mfum for being able to intercept those items worth over N300 million and also apprehending the suspect.

“Our legal unit is already on the matter, and he will be charged to court immidiately we complete our investigations.:

On Friday, February 9, NIS said it arrested three men for alleged illegal export of elephant tusks to Asia.

The men were arrested at different locations in Lagos between January 25, 2024, and February 4 and 6, 2024, for allegedly facilitating the sale and export of five pieces of elephant tusk, weighing 25.35kg, and worth about $16,000 equivalent (N23,520,000).

(NAN

Police vow to clamp down on persons spreading fake news.

Police vow to clamp down on persons spreading fake news.

The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the spread of fake news and the perpetuation of cyberbullying, to discredit officers and the police system in the country.

The force warned citizens to exercise caution in the consumption and sharing of information online, noting that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered that persons found engaging in cyberbullying or spreading false information should be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law”.

This was contained in a statement on Monday signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Earlier in January, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, had in a statement, debunked reports of over 200 persons kidnapped in the Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the FCT between December 23, 2023, and January 4, 2024, stating that there were only “pockets of abductions”.

Again on January 21, 2024, the police debunked reports of an abduction at River Park estate along the Lugbe-Airport Expressway in Abuja, clarifying that the supposed victim, one Nnandi Agu, had faked his kidnap to defraud his brother who lived in the estate.

On January 24, the FCT Police Command also debunked reports of an explosion in Maitama, noting that preliminary findings had shown that the explosion was caused by an overheated metal refuse bin, causing injuries to two refuse evacuators.

Adejobi said the police had observed that individuals and groups maliciously spread old content and misinformation on various online platforms, with the intention “to undermine public trust in the policing system”, adding that the act was criminalised by “the combined effect of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and other extant criminal laws”

He described the spread of fake news as an assault on the security architecture of the country and disclosed that the IGP had ordered the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, to monitor online platforms, and to clamp down on individuals and groups bent on jeopardising Nigeria’s national security

The statement read in part, “The Nigeria Police Force condemns in the strongest terms the dissemination of fake news and the perpetuation of cyberbullying aimed at discrediting the diligent efforts of our officers in maintaining law and order. It has come to our attention that certain individuals and groups have been maliciously spreading old content and misinformation across various online platforms, seeking to undermine public trust in the policing system.

“Fake news and cyber bullying which are criminalised by the combined effect of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and other extant criminal laws, not only pose a threat to the reputation of the Force but also have the potential to incite fear and discord within the country.

“In response to this alarming trend, the NPF is intensifying its efforts to combat fake news and cyberbullying through increased vigilance and monitoring of online platforms as the IGP has ordered the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to clamp down on those individuals and groups of people who are bent on jeopardizing our national security and stability via the spread of fake news and misinformation”

“The IGP also ordered that all perpetrators found spreading false information or engaging in cyberbullying be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Police will work closely with relevant authorities to ensure swift and appropriate legal action against offenders.

“The NPF, therefore, calls upon all citizens to exercise caution and discernment when consuming and sharing information online. Together, we must stand united against the spread of misinformation and cyberbullying, recognising that the safety and well-being of our country depend on our collective efforts to uphold truth and integrity. Similarly, we urge members of the public to report any instances of fake news or cyberbullying to the Police for prompt investigation and action.”

Power supply in South East beyond our control -Enugu Disco.

Power supply in South East beyond our control -Enugu Disco.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc has explained that the poor power supply currently being experienced by its customers across the South-East is beyond the control of the organisation.

The company attributed the situation to low energy generation, which has resulted in a drop in power supply.

The Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, who made this known on Monday, appealed to customers to bear with the firm.

There have been power outages across the region leading to a slowing down of commercial and economic activities, as many operators of business entities have shut operations due to the high cost of fuel and diesel to power their operations.

According to Ezeh, the development has resulted in low generation, leading to a reduction in the quantum of daily megawatt hours of energy allocated to distribution companies nationwide, thereby impacting the quality of service to its customers.

He said, “We understand the inconveniences this situation has caused our esteemed customers and appeal for their understanding as it is beyond us.

“We can only distribute what is allocated to us. Efforts are being made by the various stakeholders in the power sector to address this issue, and we hope this yields positive results so that normal distribution will return.

“EEDC remains committed to providing improved services to her esteemed customers.”

Tinubu committed to road infrastructure revolution, safety – Umahi.

Tinubu committed to road infrastructure revolution, safety – Umahi.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to the nation’s road infrastructure advancement, aiming to establish safe and well-maintained roads that promote economic growth.

To realize this objective, Umahi expressed support for collaboration between the Ministry and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

He announced that contractors handling federal government road projects would be directed to procure signage from the FRSC production plant.

The remarks were made on Monday, February 12, during a courtesy call by the management team of FRSC, led by Corps Marshal Dauda Aliu Biu, to the Minister in Abuja.

Represented by Permanent Secretary Yakubu Kofamata, the minister underscored the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that contractors responsible for constructing and rehabilitating roads nationwide deliver high-quality infrastructure to bolster the country’s economic development.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Olusola Abiola, the FRSC boss while emphasising the importance of the partnership disclosed that previous collaboration with the Ministry in 2023 had resulted in a reduction in road accidents by 22% and number of deaths by 25%.

The statement reads: “Sen. Umahi called on all the stakeholders in the road sector to join hands together to ensure that the mandate of the Ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu administration is achieved for the wellbeing of the people.

“While expressing the readiness of the Ministry to collaborate with FRSC, the Minister assured the delegation of adequate patronage of the Commission’s signage plant, stressing that henceforth, contractors handling the Ministry of Works’ road projects would be directed to patronise the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) signage production plant.

“This he said would be in line with the commitment to bequeath quality and motorable road network to the citizens. Earlier, in his brief remarks, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, Dauda Aliu Biu disclosed that the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works in 2023 led to a reduction in road accidents by 22% and a number of deaths by 25%.

“He appealed for a strong collaboration with the Honourable Minister stressing the Commission will always welcome robust engagements with the Ministry, especially on issues of road signages, overhead bridges, adequate signs diversion, and other road amenities.

“The FRSC boss also requested the construction of trailer packs along Federal Highways and called for contractors to patronise the FRSC signage plant for the purchase of signages.

“He added that “this will improve the safety of our highways and easy travelling for economic development.”

Blame Buhari for current economic crisis – Oshiomhole.

Blame Buhari for current economic crisis – Oshiomhole.

The biting economic hardship facing Nigerians is due to the ”reckless policies” of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) has argued. 

He recalled he opposed several of the policies, claiming they were intended to dehumanise the already suffering populace.

He spoke on Channels Television Politics Today at the weekend.

The former All Progressives National National Chairman said: “My first loyalty is to Nigeria. At some point, before the last President left office, I lamented loudly what I saw as reckless policies that were designed to dehumanise the population that was already in pain.

“I felt that it was not what the then-president promised. I dissociated myself from those policies and I’m happy that I was not the only one.

“There were Governors who approached the court to denounce some of those policies. It is the long-term consequences of those policies that we are still grappling with now.”

The former Edo Governor stated President Bola Tinubu shouldn’t be held accountable for the actions taken by the outgoing administration.

“Yes, it is our party platform. Like Tinubu also said, he was not a minister or adviser. He never took a contract in that government and he cannot be held responsible for what the government did right or wrong,” he said.

Prioritise fight against drug abuse, Remi Tinubu urges Govs.

Prioritise fight against drug abuse, Remi Tinubu urges Govs.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), have charged state governments to prioritise the fight against drug abuse to ensure a safe and secure society.

The charge was given on Monday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of a two-day training on Drug Prevention Treatment and Care, organised by the NDLEA for spouses of state governors.

In her keynote address at the event, Senator Tinubu who was represented by the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Egbetokun, commended Marwa and the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for the initiative.

She said, “I commend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the leadership of His Excellency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), for organizing this vital training and for your ongoing efforts in combatting drug abuse in Nigeria.

“We must recognise that drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but a public health crisis that requires a compassionate and multi-faceted response. We must challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction, and foster a culture of empathy, understanding and solidarity towards those struggling with substance use disorders.

“As mothers, we understand the profound impact that drug abuse can have on our children’s lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to protect, nurture, and guide them toward a future free from the shackles of addiction. As leaders in your respective states, you wield a unique platform to drive meaningful change.

“The role of Governors’ spouses in combating drug abuse cannot be overstated. Through advocacy, we can ensure access to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for those affected by addiction

“However, our efforts must not end with this training. We must translate knowledge into action, collaborating with stakeholders such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, other government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and

students. Together, we can implement evidence-based strategies for prevention, early intervention, and holistic treatment approaches.”

The AGF, Fagbemi, SAN in his remarks, commended the resourcefulness of the NDLEA leadership in utilising the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum to cascade the drug war into the grassroots and the community level.

Fagbemi noted, “The issue of drug use is not confined to any region or social strata, but affects every corner of our nation, and propagates crime and other criminalities across the world. The critical role of the attendees in shaping policies and practices in the communities is therefore recognized.

“The NDLEA boss in his remarks said the devastating effects of substance abuse on public health, the environment and its nexus with the spate of insecurity faced across the country has made it mandatory for a whole-of-society approach to curb the scourge. He said this has been the focus of the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign emplaced by the NDLEA since 2021.”

Meanwhile, Marwa urged the governors’ wives to take advantage of their positions to mobilise support for drug prevention and treatment in their states.

Marwa said, “Our commanders and officers in your states are always available to work with you and the governors; please create the needed access for them so that they can serve you and the society better. Together, we can effect meaningful change and create healthier, safer communities for all. Your collective effort can become the biggest catalyst for the nation to triumph over the illicit drug challenge.”

He noted that as part of efforts to curb the cultivation and production of illicit drugs in Nigeria, the agency is adopting an alternative development plan that will encourage cannabis farmers to switch to other licit crops.

He added, “I’d also like to draw your attention to the devastating impact activities of drug cartels involved in illicit drug cultivation are causing humanity; that is deforestation, which results in environmental degradation. In search of a lasting solution, we are working to implement an alternative development plan.

“This will provide cannabis farmers with better options, like switching to other crops. I have recently set up an Alternative Development Unit in my office. We need you to make this reality and our alternative development plan one of your takeaways for the immediate consideration and support of our governors. We will keep you posted as we flesh out the plan on this, this year.”

Also, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, stressed the pivotal role of first ladies in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse.

The minister assured of collaboration between his ministry and NDLEA in combatting substance abuse among students.

“The curriculum in schools has been updated to include the added spice of drug issues with the necessary knowledge to avoid drug use. Drug-free clubs in federal unity colleges enable children to make healthier choices,” she noted.

Other speakers at the opening ceremony were the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Country Representative Dr Oliver Stolpe; a representative of the European Union, Letizia Torretta, and the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Gambo Aliyu.