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JUST IN: FG To Review Electricity Tariff For Band B, C Customers

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  The Federal Government has announced plans to regularise electricity tariffs in a bid to address disparities in the current billing system as well as encourage investment in the power sector. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made this known at the ongoing public presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan on Thursday in Abuja. He said the government is considering this option over the slow pace of migration to Band A customers, which he attributed to the reluctance of Distribution Companies to make the necessary investments. Under the current structure, customers in Band B, who enjoy 18 to 17 hours of electricity supply, pay N63 per kilowatt-hour, while those in Band A, with only two hours more of supply, are charged N209 per kilowatt-hour. Adelabu described this as “unfair” and stressed the need for a regularisation of the tariffs to create a more balanced and equitable pricing system. The minister said, “We will look at the tariff again. I am not saying that we’re going to increase the tariff before I am misquoted. “We are going to look at it and see how we can improve upon our modest achievement of last year, not only to ensure that we grow the sector that we need but also to ensure that we can invest more in revamping all these dilapidated infrastructures.” “The migration to Band A should have been faster, but we found out that the DisCos refuse to invest. They have refused to invest in this sector. “A lot of investment is required for us to achieve an accelerated migration of lower-band customers into Band A. It is taking a lot of time.” In response to this, the government is considering restructuring the tariff bands, reducing the current wide gap between them. A new system, proposed to encompass Bands A, B, and C, would address these inequalities. “The gap between the Band A tariffs and Bands B, C, D, and E is just too wide,” he said. “We believe it’s not fair. It is not just, and we must be able to carry out some level of regularization.” According to him, the government is committed to reviewing the existing tariff structure, although he was quick to clarify that the review does not imply an imminent increase in rates. Punch  

BREAKING: Obasa Storms Lagos Assembly With Heavy Security

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  Ousted speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has stormed the assembly complex. It was learnt that Obasa was in the company of some security officials, entered the Speaker’s Office around 12 noon on Thursday. The development followed the withdrawal of the security aides of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. The Chief Press Secretary to Meranda, Segun Ajiboye, confirmed the latest in a short message on Thursday, accusing Obasa and his team of allegedly breaking into the office. “We’re at the assembly now,” a source in the Obasa camp also said. Details later …

Osun Crisis: Adeleke Denies Changing LG Accounts Signatories

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  The Osun State Government, on Wednesday, refuted claims that it was forcing career officers in local governments to change signatories to council accounts amid the ongoing tussle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress over local government control. The Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement in Osun, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, had alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration was coercing Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration to alter council account signatories. “We reliably gathered that Adeleke’s government has started taking 30 Local Government Area Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration to an undisclosed location forcefully. This is unconnected to the contention over who controls the local government. “The HLAs and the Directors of Finance were taken to these locations to be pressured into changing signatories of council accounts to the newly elected officials. “These individuals have been reportedly held against their will, an act that undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law. “Despite judicial pronouncements from the Court of Appeal upholding the October 15, 2022, council election, the state government continues to act in a manner that contradicts the spirit of the verdict,” Adebayo alleged. But responding swiftly, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, dismissed the allegations as “mere speculation.” “This is just an attempt to say something because the Commissioner for Local Government has confirmed that he never gave such a directive. They have made themselves look foolish in the eyes of the public, so they want to create a false narrative. “We have never changed any local government account signatories. They should remain troubled. APM is just crying more than the bereaved,” Alimi stated. Meanwhile, the APC in Osun has urged local government workers to return to their duty posts, insisting that they should remain neutral in the political tussle over council control. Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who has been speaking for the party, emphasised that the reinstated local government chairmen had already given workers a 72-hour ultimatum to resume work. The Osun chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, however, rejected the ultimatum, with Chairman Christopher Arapasopo stating that workers would only return when their security was guaranteed. Olawumi, however, insisted that workers were expected at their duty posts from Thursday, adding that chairmen and councillors were already running the councils without them. “It is quite unfortunate that they (workers) are becoming partisan. They need to understand that they are not employed by the state government but by individual local governments. That is why they have Heads of Local Government Administration. “We encourage them to eschew partisanship and focus on their work. The ultimatum lapses today (Wednesday), and we expect them to resume tomorrow (Thursday). If they don’t, we will continue persuading them to see reasons why they must not be partisan. We are running, and we are running,” Olawumi said. Efforts to reach NLC Chairman, Arapasopo for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone did not go through, and he had yet to respond to text messages as of press time. Amid the crisis, an Osun-based civil society group, “The Osun Masterminds,” has called on all parties to return to court to resolve the dispute. Speaking in Osogbo, the Executive Director of the group, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, urged an end to inflammatory remarks that could worsen tensions. *”All parties must immediately return to the relevant courts to clarify the subsisting judgments so that the current issues can be amicably resolved. “Once clarified, all parties must respect the decision of the courts and lay the matter to rest once and for all. “As we approach the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election, all parties must demonstrate their commitment to peace and security. If this crisis escalates into next year, it could destabilize our once peaceful Osun State. “Local government staff must remain non-partisan and adhere to the rule of law to avoid becoming political tools in the hands of any party,”Oyedokun-Alli stated. Punch

US Set To Remove Transgender Soldiers From Military

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  The United States will begin removing transgender troops from the military within 30 days unless they obtain a waiver on a case-by-case basis, the Pentagon said in a Wednesday memo. The memo became public as part of a court filing in a case challenging President Donald Trump’s late January executive order that was aimed at barring military service by transgender personnel. “Service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria will be processed for separation from military service,” the memo read. These troops may be “considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis, provided there is a compelling government interest in retaining the service member that directly supports warfighting capabilities,” it said. To obtain such a waiver, troops must show that they have never attempted to transition, as well as demonstrate “36 consecutive months of stability in the service member’s sex without clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.” Transgender Americans have faced a roller coaster of changing policies on military service in recent years, with Democratic administrations seeking to permit them to serve openly, while Trump has repeatedly sought to keep them out of the ranks. The US military lifted a ban on transgender troops in 2016, during Democrat Barack Obama’s second term as president. Under that policy, trans troops already serving were permitted to do so openly, and transgender recruits were set to start being accepted by July 1, 2017. But the first Trump administration postponed that date to 2018 before deciding to reverse the policy entirely. Trump’s controversial restrictions — which underwent changes in response to various court challenges — eventually came into force in April 2019 following a protracted legal battle that went all the way to the nation’s top court. Trump’s Democratic successor Joe Biden moved to reverse the restrictions just days after he took office in 2021, saying all Americans qualified to serve should be able to do so. After returning to office in January, Trump issued an executive order executive order that again took aim at transgender military service, saying: “Expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.” Transgender issues have roiled US politics in recent years, as states controlled by Democrats and Republicans have moved in opposite directions on policies ranging from medical treatment to what books on the topic are allowed in public or school libraries. AFP

Five Die, 20 Missing As Boats Collide In Delta

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  At least five people have been confirmed dead, while 20 others remain missing after two speedboats collided along the waterways in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. PUNCH Metro gathered that the tragic accident, which occurred on Monday evening, involved boats ferrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony. Eyewitnesses attributed the fatal crash to poor visibility, adding that most of the passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, on Wednesday, confirmed the accident, stating that six survivors with injuries had been rescued and were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Warri. “This is a tragic accident, and we are working with marine units and local divers to locate the missing passengers,” Edafe said. A resident, Emmanuel Okoro, who witnessed the incident, described the scene as chaotic. “People were screaming for help. Some managed to swim to safety, but many others disappeared beneath the water,” he recounted. Meanwhile, rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency responders and local volunteers continue searching for the missing victims. Punch

JUST IN: Heavy Security As APC Chieftains Arrive For NEC Meeting

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  The national secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress was a beehive of activities on Wednesday morning as governors elected on the platform of the APC and party chieftains trooped in for the long-awaited meeting of the National Executive Committee. Early arrivals at the meeting include members of the National Working Committee, APC State Chairmen, former governor of Zamfara state, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, former governor of Kebbi state and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Goodwill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas are expected to be in attendance. As early as 8.30am, there was heavy vehicular movement and party supporters blaring music and displaying APC banners around the party headquarters and neighbouring streets. Stern-looking security operatives including agents of the Department of State Security were also manned at the entry and exit point of the venue to provide security. Punch

Olubadan Hail Igbo’s Contribution To Commerce In Oyo

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  The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has commended the Igbos for their contribution to the Oyo State economy and reiterated his commitment to peaceful co-existence amongst the various ethnic groups in the ancient city. According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, Oba Olakulehin gave the commendation while playing host to the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Tuesday in his palace. Olubadan, who spoke through the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland, Senior Chief Rafiu Onideure, said Ibadan would continue to appreciate the economic contributions of the Igbo not just in Ibadanland but in the state and Nigeria as a whole. “I implore you to continue with your business, social and religious activities peacefully and lawfully at all times as you have done in the past for the progress of Ibadanland. “The contributions of the Igbos to commerce, trade and business in Ibadanland is worthy of commendation and well appreciated by all and sundry as it is a significant contributor to the Oyo State economy and by extension our nation. “I want to enjoin other non-indigenes in Ibadan to emulate the good gesture of members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in extending the hand of friendship and fellowship to Ibadan indigenes.” Earlier, the Coordinator of the group, Tallest Innocent, who doubles as the Special Assistant, Community Relations to Governor Seyi Makinde, expressed his gratitude to the Olubadan and the Oba-In Council for the warm reception accorded them during the visit. “Apart from paying this visit, they were at the palace to introduce the newly elected executives of the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to His Imperial Majesty.” He appreciated the monarch’s support before, during and after the peaceful process plus the inclusive governance approach of the traditional stool

Oyo Govt Begins Distribution Of Motorcycles To Agric Extension Officers

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Oyo State Government has begun the first phase of distribution of motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Officers across the state as a demonstration of its determination to boost agricultural extension services in the state. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who gave out 15 motorcycles to the agricultural extension officers on Tuesday, noted that they serve as links between researchers and farmers. According to him, extension officers play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to small holder farmers to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ standard of living and ensure food security in the state. He explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde administration will focus on addressing some of the pressing challenges facing agricultural extension services, including systemic decline driven by several key factors. He said: “I am highly delighted to welcome you to the distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles to Officers/Extension Agents in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Agricultural Extension Officers (Agents) are the link between the researchers and the farmers. They play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to the small holder farmers, which will invariably increase their productivity and improve their standard of living and ensure food security in the state. “Therefore, the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, approved the purchase of BAJAJ motorcycles for the Agricultural Extension Agents in the state to enhance agricultural extension service delivery. “You will all agree with me that one of the most pressing challenges facing the Agricultural Extension Officers is the systemic decline, driven by several key factors which include critical shortage of Extension Agents due to retirements without adequate replacement. “Other factors are young people’s reluctance to pursue careers in agriculture and entrepreneurship, lack of sufficient training and professional development of extension agents and lack of proper transportation resources, making it difficult for them to reach and serve farmers in remote villages. “In ameliorating the observed challenges, the present administration has embarked on programmes, projects and provision of manpower, including this distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles that we are witnessing today. “Other interventions include: Start Them Early Programme (STEP) to encourage agricultural interest in secondary school students being replicated in eight zones of Oyo State. The government just concluded the recruitment of 161 officers across cadres in the Ministry. “Last year, we also embarked on the training of 131 Extension Agents across the 33 LGAs and LCDAs on the use of digital applications to measure farmland under the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER). “Also, we embarked on the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme under SAfER where 1,487 farmers benefited, and a total of 6,009.4083 acres of land was ploughed throughout the state. “On this note, I have the singular honour and privilege to implore the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity to bridge the gap between researchers and farmers to boost food production, improve livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural service delivery.” Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, noted that the distribution of the motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Officers across the state would serve as tools of transformation, as they will be able to access remote farming communities more efficiently, respond promptly to farmers’ needs and also deliver timely agricultural advisory services. She appreciated the dedication and steadfastness of the Extension Officers in the state for their contribution and achievement in the 50 per cent tractorisation programme of the state government under the SAfER programme in 2024. She urged them to ensure improved agricultural extension service delivery in the state. Speaking on behalf of the Agricultural Extension Officers, Mr Akanbi Ademola thanked Governor Makinde for improving the agriculture sector and promised to complement the efforts of the state government to ensure food security in the state.

Natasha Sues Akpabio For Defamation, Demands N100.3bn Damages

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  Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for alleged defamation. The PUNCH reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns after her Senate seat was reassigned following a reshuffle triggered by opposition members switching to the majority wing. She resisted the relocation, leading to a confrontation between her and the Senate President. However, in a suit filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on 25 February 2025, the President of the Senate, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Mfon Patrick, were listed as the second and third defendants. In the suit, marked CV/737/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, alleged that defamatory statements were made by the Senate President and published by his aide on Facebook. According to him, the post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” included a statement suggesting that Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was only about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.” Giwa argued that the statement was defamatory, provocative, and disparaging, lowering his client’s dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and the public. He stated, “A DECLARATION that the words, ‘It is bottled anger by the Kogi lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers,’ used and written by the third defendant at the prompting of the first and second defendants, is defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium and disaffection toward the claimant.” She also urged the court to restrain the defendants and their associates from making further defamatory statements against her on any platform. “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the defendants, whether acting by themselves or through their agents, privies, assigns, or associates, from further publishing or causing to be published the said defamatory words or any similar publications about the claimant on social media or in any other manner capable of defaming her,” she stated. Furthermore, Akpoti-Uduaghan asked the court to order the defendants to pay her N100 billion in general damages and N300 million as litigation costs. “An order for the payment of the sum of N100,000,000,000 as general damages. An order for the payment of the sum of N300,000,000 as the cost of action,” she prayed. Punch

Oyo Govt. Rolls Out Safety Guidelines for Advert Practitioners

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  The Oyo State Government, in a bid to ensure safety for Out-Of-Home advertising practitioners, has rolled out guidelines for practitioners, spelling out the standard of practice for all in the industry. The safety guidelines process, which was presented by the Director General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Hon. Oludolapo Eso Ajanaku to ensure safety during and after billboards installation process. He underscored the essence of safety and protection of workers, pedestrians, and advertisement structures and outlines critical safety measures for a secure and efficient installation process. In his word, “henceforth, it is unacceptable for any installer of advertisement structure to jettison the safety rules and guidelines processes during and after instalment of such structures for the safety benefits of pedestrians and other road users in the course of erection and maintenance of billboards and other form of signages in the state, … it is now imperative for such offenders of the process to face the hammer of the law through sanctions and to maintain order and sanity during installation of billboards across the state.” The safety guidelines highlights 1. Preliminary Site Assessment Evaluation. 2. Permit and Regulatory Compliance. 3. Personal Safety Measures. 4. Equipment and Machinery Safety. 5. Traffic and Pedestrians Control, and 6. Safety Handling and Transportation Materials, among others, essential safety measures. He said the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency would henceforth monitor and embark on enforcement excercise in line with execution of the safety guidelines process adding that any practitioner found wanting would be subjected to fines and sanctions by the agency. According to him, “Oyo State Signage and Advertisement is after the safety of lives and properties in the advertising industry in the state.”

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