TheNewsGuru

Tag: 2023

  • Ghana raises electricity tariffs by more than 18%

    Ghana raises electricity tariffs by more than 18%

    Ghana utility regulator on Wednesday said the average end-user tariff for electricity has been increased by 18.36 per cent for the second quarter of 2023.

    According to the regulator, Ghana had previously added almost 30 per cent tariff in the first quarter.

    The West African country is grappling with soaring inflation, debt, and a depreciating currency that pushed it to the brink of default.

    It has sought support from the International Monetary Fund, which is expected to approve the first loan tranche of a three billion dollars package on Wednesday.

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission said the tariff hike was due to the net effect of further currency depreciation, inflation, and an increase in the cost of gas.

    “Utility companies are under-covering and require an upward adjustment of their rates in order to keep the lights on,” it added, noting that the potential for outages was high.

  • Okowa presents N71bn 2023 supplementary budget for Delta

    Okowa presents N71bn 2023 supplementary budget for Delta

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Tuesday presented N71 billion 2023 supplementary budget to the State House of Assembly for approval.

    The is contained in a letter read during plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Christopher Ochor in Asaba.

    Okowa said that the budget was made up of N5.6billion recurrent expenditure and N65.5 billion capital expenditure

    ”May I wish to note that there has been actual and projected increase in some fiscal receipts.

    ”Consequently, the supplementary budget has become necessary for appropriation to pay for some critical projects and activities of government as well as fund ongoing projects across the state in year 2023.

    ”In the light of the foregoing, it would be greatly appreciated if the draft 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill is placed before the House at it earliest convenience for consideration and passing into law,” he said.

    Consequently, the Majority Leader, Mr Ferguson Onwo moved a motion for the first reading of the budget which was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the deputy speaker.

    Also during Tuesday’s plenary, the House Joint Committee on Rules, Business, Legal and Judicial Matters and Special Committee on Bills presented its report on a bill to provide for the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots in the state.

    Presenting the report, the Chairman, House Committee on Rules, Business, Legal and Judicial Matters, Mr Charles Oniyere said the joint committee worked tirelessly to deliver within the allotted time frame given to it.

    Oniyere said that after meticulous examination and scrutiny of the bill, the committee made some far reaching recommendations for the approval of the House.

    The report would be considered by the Committee of the Whole next week.

  • Transport minister denies involvement in alleged maritime contract mess

    Transport minister denies involvement in alleged maritime contract mess

    The Minister of Transportation Muazu Jaji Sambo, has denied alleged involvement in any purported maritime mess.

    Recently, an online medium published a story alleging that the the Minister hijacked a maritime contract at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a parastatal under his supervision.

    But Sambo in while reacting in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, said the information is misleading fabricated to tarnish his image.

    “My attention has been drawn to false and baseless publications on some online media platforms regarding my alleged involvement in a purported hijack of a maritime contract at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a parastatal under my supervision.

    “These allegations are nothing but a smear campaign orchestrated to tarnish my reputation and undermine my work as the Minister of Transportation.

    “Let me be clear: Since I assumed Office as Minister in July 2022, my focus has been to meet the high expectations of stakeholders in the transportation sector. I have always acted with honesty, integrity and transparency, in accordance with the law and public interest.

    “Surprisingly, the news outlets that carried the false report relied on anonymous sources, fabricated documents and distorted facts to create a narrative that suits their agenda or that of their sponsors. They not only violated the core ethics of journalism and the principles of fair hearing but have shown contempt for the truth, objective journalism and balanced reportage.

    “It is even more laughable for anyone to think that just one man will sit back to award contracts of such a humungous amount. The contract awarding process in the Country is quite complex for manipulation.

    “These purveyors of falsehood forget that contract awards under our extant laws and regulations involve rigorous due process, diligence and authorizations by different agencies and levels of government such as the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) among others.

    “I’m certain some persons are intimidated by our achievements in the Ministry within a short time, thus their desperation to drag us in the mud. They are out to use me to chase clout. It is expected that with the transition to a new government, these persons and/or groups may want to target me as a basis to curry favour or seek relevance. Who is indeed afraid of Mu’azu Jaji Sambo?

    “Consequently, the public is urged not to fall for this propaganda. Under my leadership, this Ministry has executed initiatives to improve the Country’s maritime domain as well as the mobility and safety of Nigerians. We have also promoted innovation, sustainability and social inclusion in the transport sector.

    “Let me emphasise that I will continue to serve this nation with dedication and commitment till I exit Office. And even out of Office, I will remain a loyal and law-abiding Nigerian. I will not be intimidated or distracted by these false accusations, which only seek to divert attention. I am not involved in any (maritime) contract mess. The public should be guided.

    “Meanwhile, I have requested appropriate security and law enforcement agencies to expeditiously investigate the content of the misleading publications so that the peddlers of fake and malicious news will be made to face the law,” he said.

  • Court Convicts internet fraudster for impersonating US Air Force Officer

    Court Convicts internet fraudster for impersonating US Air Force Officer

    Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction of one AbdulBasit Abdullahi Yahaya before Justice A.A Bello of the Kaduna state High Court on a one count charge bordering on cybercrimes.

    AbdulBasit who was arrested at Yoruba Road, Karji, Kaduna State, allegedly created two fictitious accounts on Instagram with the names of CamilaCosta6498 and Valentinardiaz266, which he used in defrauding victims whilst representing himself as United States Air Force officer.

    He pleaded guilty to the charge. Consequently, Justice Bello convicted and sentenced him to two years imprisonment with the option of N 100,000 fine. He was ordered to forfeit his Samsung S7 phone which he used to commit the offence to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

     

  • Some male celebrities bankrolled by ‘sugar mummies’ – Nedu

    Some male celebrities bankrolled by ‘sugar mummies’ – Nedu

    Nigerian media personality, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu, has claimed that he is aware of some of his colleagues who are being bankrolled by rich sugar mummies.

    According to him, older married lovers sponsor some Nigerian male celebrities’ flashy lifestyles and projects.

    He stated this on the latest episode of The Honest Bunch audiovisual podcast co-hosted by him.

    Nedu said, “These days, men dey go for girls wey get money pass them. In fact, all these things wey we dey talk, men dey even do worse these days. I know want mention some people wey e be say for this our industry, you know their names, wey e be say na women dey bankroll their lifestyles.

    “And there is nothing bad in it. The same way wey e be say nothing dey bad in man bankrolling a woman.”

     

  • Be loyal to Nigerian People – INEC charges new REC

    Be loyal to Nigerian People – INEC charges new REC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has sworn in Dr. Mahmuda Isah as Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) for a second in office .

    National Chairman, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while administering oath of office on Dr. Isah at the INEC National headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday 16 May 2023, charged him to be loyal to the Nigerian people and always abide by the provisions of the law.

    According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC National chairman, Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi, “Dr Mahmuda Isah was moments ago sworn in as Resident Electoral Commissioner at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja for a second and final term.

    “Isah took his oath of office during the Commission’s weekly meeting, which has the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, National Commissioners and the Secretary to the Commission in attendance.

    “Prof. Yakubu told him to be loyal to the Nigerian people and always abide by the provisions of the law.

    “Isah was first appointed in Jan 2018 and he served in both Jigawa and Kaduna States before his first term expired in Jan 2023. He has been deployed to the Federal Capital Territory.”

  • Pandemonium as many feared dead in Plateau community

    Pandemonium as many feared dead in Plateau community

    Pandemonium in Plateau village as many people, including women and children were feared killed as gunmen attacked Kubat village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday night.

    The gunmen were reported to have invaded the community when the villagers were asleep.

    The Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong who confirmed the incident, described the it as a sad development, directing security forces to pursue the attackers and ensure they were arrested.

    Lalong in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Simon, said the governor had equally directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and ascertain the humanitarian need so as to bring succour to those affected while thorough investigation was being carried out.

    The Governor commiserates with the victims and assures that the murderers will not be allowed to go unpunished as this is an act that can neither be tolerated or excused no matter the motivation.

     

  • NYSC shouldn’t be mandatory – Jega

    NYSC shouldn’t be mandatory – Jega

     

    Former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Prof. Atahiru Jega, has said that the one-year National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) should not be compulsory.

    Jega while speaking at the opening ceremony of the NYSC 50th anniversary in Abuja on Monday, said if any activity should be mandatory, it should be only with the military.

    He said, the best graduates who indicate interest should be selected for the exercise hence, adequate provisions should be made such as funding and facilities to enable them function well during the service programme.

    The former INEC boss insisted that if it must be mandatory for the massive number graduates that turn out from higher institutions for the programme, then all the resources and facilities to make it effective.

    Jega noted that the remunerations of Corp members were poor, hence it was because a huge number of corps members were mobilised into youth service amidst dwindling and inadequacy of resources.

    He stressed that the scheme suffered lack of coporation by some state and local governments who have refused to lend their statutory support to the scheme.

    Jega further said that the fraudulent enlistment of unqualified and/or fake graduates by tertiary institutions in Nigeria were part of the challenges faced by the scheme.

    “I recommend that NYSC should be made voluntary but with qualifications. Take the best graduates who want to participate who are interested in participating for the exercise and adequate provisions should be made such as funding, facilities, mentorship so that they are trained to occupy special positions in the country.”

    “If the must provide mandatory, then provide all the resources and facilities to make it effective and impactful.”

    “If any activity doesn’t have to do with the military, then it should not be mandatory especially if it is supposed to have value to the country and for it to achieve it’s effective purpose,” he said.

    On the contrary, Deputy Governor, Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal opined that the one year service scheme should remain mandatory.

    Also speaking at the event, Minister for Youths and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare acknowledged that part of the achievements of the scheme was seen during the lock-down when corps members engaged in production of preventive materials such as face masks, hand sanitizers, automated hand washing equipment and disinfectants among others and distributed them free to complement government effort in the fight against the virus.

    Meanwhile, the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed said the objectives of the scheme was admired by some other African countries.

     

  • Yahaya Bello: EFCC seeks stay of execution of ruling on 14 properties, N400m

    Yahaya Bello: EFCC seeks stay of execution of ruling on 14 properties, N400m

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) filed a motion to halt the execution of a court ruling which stopped the forfeiture of 14 properties and the sum of N400 million linked to Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, on Monday

    Justice Nicholas Oweibo of a Lagos Federal High Court, had on  April 26, struck out a suit by the EFCC seeking the final forfeiture of the properties and sum on the grounds of provisions of Section 308(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The judge declared: “Given Section 308 of the Constitution, which provides immunity to a sitting governor from any civil/ criminal prosecution, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter.”

    At a sitting on Monday, counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court of an application dated April 27, 2023, seeking a stay of execution of the ruling pending the outcome of the appeal on the case.

    Responding, counsel to the respondent, Akoh Ocheni, filed an application seeking to strike out the application for stay of execution by the EFCC.

    Justice Oweibo adjourned the matter till further notice.

    In his motion against the final forfeiture application, Bello based argued that the listed property was not obtained via the commission of an illegal act because it was acquired before he was elected governor of Kogi State and could not have been proceeds of public funds.

    He added that the EFCC cannot file any civil or criminal charges against him because of Section 308 of the Constitution.

    The governor also argued that the EFCC’s lawsuit was filed illegally on the grounds that the anti-graft agency was blatantly disobeying a state high court ruling prohibiting it from looking into any accounts of the Kogi State Government until the Motion on Notice was decided.

    He claimed that the Commission made false statements to obtain the interim forfeiture order.

    Bello added that because the disputed properties were purchased before he was elected governor of Kogi State, the Proceeds of Crime Act could not be applied retroactively.

    He claimed that the Supreme Court was hearing arguments over the legality of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2022.

    He added that the suit should have been filed in either Abuja or Kogi State. Therefore, he requested that the lawsuit be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

    EFCC had in December 2022,  arraigned Ali Bello, who is  identified as a nephew of Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi State, before a Federal High Court in Abuja, alongside one Dauda Suleiman, on a 10-count charge of alleged misappropriation and money laundering before Justice James Omotosho.

    The Commission stated that the pair, along with one Abdulsalami Hudu, a cashier at the Kogi State House of Assembly who is now at large, took N10.2 billion for personal use out of the state’s coffers.

    However, the accused entered a “not guilty” plea to the accusations.

  • APC members who worked against Tinubu now regretting — ex-PCC spokesperson

    APC members who worked against Tinubu now regretting — ex-PCC spokesperson

    Mr. Oluremi Omowaye, former spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Osun, said members of the party, who worked against it in the general elections, are regretting their actions.

    Omowaye, said this in a statement on Sunday in Osogbo, while reacting to the uproar generated by the list of members of “Renewed Hope Concert” slated for May 25, ahead of the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

    It was learnt that two members of the committee, who allegedly worked against the emergency of Tinubu during the APC primaries, were included on the list.

    Omowaye said that all APC members, who connived with the opposition parties during the governorship and general elections in Osun should “look up to their paymasters for rewards and appointments.”

    “Gone are the days when monkey will work and baboon will eat,” Omowaye, who was a former Commissioner for Works in the state stated.

    According to him, those who engaged in anti-party activities are still in pain that Tinubu won the presidential election.

    ”During the July 16 governorship election, we reach out to these people and talked to them to work for the party, but they worked against the party.

    ”Also during the presidential and national assembly elections, we included some of them in the Osun Presidential Campaign Council, but they still worked openly against the party.

    ”One of the most painful aspect of it is the fact that one of these people, who is enjoying federal appointment also worked against Tinubu during the election.

    ”When Tinubu won, which is till causing them pain, they started calling for interim government.

    ”And now, they want to be part of the various committees for the inauguration of the President-elect, they should rather go to their paymasters in PDP and Labour party for their rewards,” he said.

    Omowaye, who noted that Tinubu would fulfill all his campaign promises, said Nigerians should expect the very best from his administration.

    He, however, said that APC in the state would continue to wax stronger no matter the provocation from the opposition party.