TCN Announces Blackout In Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a six-hour power outage on Saturday for residents in parts of the Federal Capital Territory. The outage is necessary for TCN’s maintenance crew to conduct a scheduled annual preventive maintenance on its 132kV line 1 at Gwagwalada and Apo Transmission Substations. The maintenance, scheduled from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, will result in a power interruption at the 132/33kV Kukwaba Transmission Substation. Affected areas include Lokogoma, Kabusa Garden, TradeMore, Pyakasa, Aleyita, Chika, Games Village, Stadium, Wuye, Utako, Life Camp, and Idu. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson, apologized for any inconvenience caused, assuring customers that power supply would be restored promptly after the maintenance work. “Power supply will be restored as soon as the maintenance work is completed as indicated. “We regret any inconveniences this will cause electricity consumers in the affected areas,” the statement read. This announcement comes after the TCN Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132KV Transmission Line 1 was attacked by suspected vandals in December, prompting the need for repairs.
UNIBEN suspends academic activities over burial
The management of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has ordered the temporary suspension of academic activities at the Ugbowo campus of the institution over the host community’s burial of a vigilante chairman scheduled for Saturday. The institution disclosed this in a statement dated February 9, 2024, signed by Professor Clement Ighodaro, Dean of Students Affairs, on behalf of the management of the institution. In the statement by the institution titled “Notice to UNIBEN Students on Security Alerts in Ekosodin Community and its Environ,” Prof. Ighodaro said the vigilante chairman was killed some time ago at Ekosodin community. “The alert from the information gathered concerns the burial ceremony this weekend of the vigilante chairman murdered some time ago at Ekosodin. “Students are therefore advised to conclude all activities today, Friday 9th February by 6 pm and to return to their places of abode in the community and to stay indoors. “They are to remain indoors the next day, Saturday, until the events of the burial in the community are over and other citizens can move about freely. Students on campus are also advised to return to their respective hostels before nightfall during this period,” he said. He also informed members of the university community that the institution’s gate leading to Ekosodin will be closed at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday. When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, confirmed the statement. “The notice is from the university authority,” she said.
Alleged sexual harassment: Court grants UNICAL Prof N250m bail
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N250 million bail to the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, UNICAL, Professor Cyril Ndifon. Prof Ndifon is facing a trial over alleged sexual harassment and gratification case instituted against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The court also granted his lawyer Sunny Anyanwu bail to the tune of N50m among other stringent bail conditions. The court granted them bail on the condition that they will produce two sureties who own properties within FCT with a minimum valuation of 150 million and must submit their bank statements to the court. The court also held that defendants must file an undertaking not to interfere with the case, readiness to attend trial and not to cause delay. Sequel to not guilty plea, Counsel to Joe Agi and Solomon Umoh had urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms, but the prosecution counsel countered the bail application, asking the court to dismiss. Ruling on the bail on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that while bail is a constitutional right, the court must be guided by the nature of a charge and the possibility of the accused person interfering with the case against him, among other things. He said the defendants are facing sexual harassment offenses through requesting nude videos but they are not capital offense like terrorism. Justice Omotosho however adjourned the matter to February 12, for continuation of hearing. Professor Ndifon was, on January 25, re-arraigned alongside Sunny Anyanwu as 1st and 2nd defendants on an amended four-count charge of sexual harassment and attempt to perverse the cause of justice. Anyanwu, who is one of the lawyers in the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on January 22, by the ICPC on the allegation that he called one of the prosecution witnesses on her mobile telephone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.
Court dismisses suspended Adamawa REC’s suit against IGP, others
Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa state, Hudu Yunusa-Ari for lacking in merit. Yunasa-Ari is before the court, seeking protection from media trial, arrest and harassment by security agencies following his controversial announcement of the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate, Senator Aisha Binani Dahiru, as winner of the last Adamawa governorship poll. Mentioned as Defendants in the suit are the Inspector General of Police(IGP) Nigeria Police Force,(NPF) the Attorney-General of Federation(AGF)and Minister of Justice, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 5th respondents respectively. Yunasa-Ari,had announced Binani winner of the governorship poll against the due process but the declaration was annulled by the INEC leadership which eventually returned the incumbent governor, Umar Fintiri. In his argument, his counsel, Jibrin Okutepa said his decision to announce Binani was due to a tight security breach in Adamawa. He submitted that since the incident, the respondents kept issuing press statements against him when he had not been convicted by a law court. Justice James Omotosho while delivering Judgement on held that the only issue to determine in the case is whether the fundamental rights of Hudu were breached by any of the respondents. The trial judge noted that as fundamental as human rights are, there are exceptions. Justice Omotosho noted that the applicant filed this suit to hide himself from prosecution for the role he played in the Adamawa guber poll. The court therefore dismissed the suit for lacking in merit.
Why Social media must be regulated – Gbajabiamila
President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated. Gbajabiamila said this while representing Tinubu at the public presentation of a book, “Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole” written by a former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, in Lagos This is according to a Thursday statement by Tunde Alao, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Media), Office of the Lagos State Deputy Governor. “The social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated. As many people do not understand that once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world which is capable of causing a great danger not just in the society but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information which may include security of life,” the statement quoted Gbajabiamila as saying. Governor Sanwo-Olu was also represented at the event by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat. The statement noted that Tinubu maintained that his administration had an obligation to engage in evidence-based discussion and data-reliant decision-making, hence, the need for accurate data that would be used for better policy formulation and execution. “As citizens become more interested in governance, it is the government’s obligation to ensure that engagement with citizens springs with shared agreement on what the truth is, what is real and what is not,” Gbajabiamila said. The president commended the author for putting in book form his thoughts and experience garnered both as a governor and member of the federal executive council. Speaking at the event, Hamzat noted that accurate data would help in finding lasting solutions to myriads of challenges facing the nation adding that “for a developing country like us, part of the problem we have is that we don’t have data, which is very crucial for policy formulation for national development.” While stressing the importance of data, he noted that “deterministic data is essential even in our daily lives, even on issues such as building – buildings require correct data to know the threats.” In his remarks, the book author, Fashola, disclosed that the book was written based on his 21 years of experience as a public office holder, highlighting different public issues. “My joy is that the conversation has just started, and by and large, we will get good and positive results in our quests for national development”, Fashola was quoted as saying. In October 2023, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, “to reject the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill.” SERAP noted that the passage of the bill “would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy,” and urged Tinubu’s administration to stop its efforts to compel technological firms like Google and YouTube to restrict such “fundamental human rights.”
Interconnect Debt Dispute Resolved Between MTN Nigeria and Glo
In a recent announcement by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Globacom Limited has been successfully resolved. The resolution comes within the 21-day grace period provided by the NCC, as highlighted in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka. Previously, the NCC had issued a warning in January, stating that Glo subscribers might face restrictions on making calls to MTN lines due to unresolved interconnect charges. The potential disconnection could have affected 61.54 million mobile subscriptions on Glo’s network. The NCC extended its notice period to allow both companies to reach an agreement, taking into consideration the impact on subscribers. In the recent statement, the NCC confirmed the amicable resolution of the dispute and withdrew the disconnection approval granted to MTN. The statement emphasized the NCC’s commitment to strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, especially those outlined in interconnection agreements. Additionally, the commission expressed its proactive approach to preventing future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry. This includes requesting relevant records and regular updates from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and adopting a transparent approach to industry indebtedness.
President Tinubu Directs Inclusion of National Pledge at Official Events
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the recitation of the National Pledge following the National Anthem during official and public engagements. The directive was issued during his address at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, on Thursday. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of reaffirming commitment to the values, greatness, and hope of the nation. He stated, “It is our pledge to Nigeria, our country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength – we saw it on the field of play yesterday. We were all rejoicing.” The President highlighted the positive and hopeful mindset, expressing confidence that Nigeria will excel despite challenges. He concluded, “We will defend our unity and uphold Nigeria’s glory in every way possible because we are Nigerians, and we have no other country.”
List Of of Nigerians Who Died Watching Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana Semi-Final Clash
The thrilling Semi-final clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing AFCON tournament has left a sombre note for some football enthusiasts in Nigeria. Tragically, amidst the tension and excitement of the match, several Nigerians lost their lives while watching the game at various locations across the country. Here are some of the notable incidents: 1. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh: A former member of the House of Representatives representing the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, passed away on Wednesday evening during the Nigeria vs. South Africa AFCON semifinals match. Dr. Ojougboh reportedly suffered a massive heart attack and slumped when South Africa scored a penalty against Nigeria. 2. Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi: The Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, also succumbed during the semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa. He complained of feeling dizzy and collapsed at home after watching the match, eventually passing away before receiving medical attention. 3. NYSC Corps Member: A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Adamawa State, identified as Samuel from Kaduna State, reportedly collapsed and died during the penalty shootout stage of the Nigeria vs. South Africa match. Samuel fainted just before the final kick, and despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. 4. Mikail Osundiji: In Abeokuta, Ogun State, 43-year-old Mikail Osundiji tragically died while watching the semi-final match. Osundiji went into shock and collapsed after Nigeria’s second goal was cancelled by the referee, despite showing no signs of sickness prior to the incident. These heartbreaking incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for caution even during moments of excitement. While football brings joy and unity, it’s essential to prioritize one’s health and well-being. As the Super Eagles advance to the final, Nigerians mourn the loss of these passionate fans and hope for victory in their honour. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace.
Nwabali Faces Threats from South African Fans Following Heroic AFCON Performance
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, currently playing for Chippa United in South Africa, has allegedly received threats from disgruntled South African fans after his stellar performance against the nation in the AFCON tournament. Former Super Eagles international Idah Peterside disclosed the threats on Channels Television, revealing that some fans warned Nwabali against returning to Chippa United post-AFCON. The goalkeeper has reportedly been cautioned not to go back to South Africa, with displeasure stemming from his pivotal role in preventing the host country’s team from reaching the finals. Although there haven’t been reports of actual violence, Peterside highlighted the concerning messages, stating, “People have sent messages to the goalkeeper threatening him. I hear some people are telling him not to come back to South Africa since you didn’t want us to score. We have not heard of any violence, but just threats. They have been threatening him and threatening some people.” Nwabali exhibited his goalkeeping prowess during the semi-final clash against Bafana Bafana, making crucial saves in regulation time and stopping two penalties during the shootout.
NNPC Opens Up On Fuel Price Increase
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has stated that there is no immediate plan to raise the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol. The company made this known in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye on Thursday, February 8. The NNPC urged the public to dismiss unfounded speculations circulating about a possible upward review of PMS prices. The company reassured Nigerians that no such measures are in the pipeline. Motorists have been strongly advised against succumbing to panic buying, as NNPC affirms that there is an abundant supply of PMS across the nation. NNPC assured citizens of its commitment to maintaining stable fuel prices for the foreseeable future.