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Tag: Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu

  • Local Govt Autonomy: Tinubu has done well by dragging govs to court – Senator Kawu

    Local Govt Autonomy: Tinubu has done well by dragging govs to court – Senator Kawu

    Senator Suleiman Kawu ( NNPP Kano South) , on Monday in Abuja , commended President Bola Tinubu for dragging the 36 State Governors to court for undermining the functionality of the 774 local government councils .

    President Tinubu had through the Attorney – General of the Federation , Prince Lateef Fagbemi , filed multiple cases against the 36 state governors at the Supreme Court , bordering on violations of relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution on governance and functionality of the local government councils in the country.

    In his reaction to the litigation , through a personally signed statement , Senator Kawu who penultimate week, sponsored a motion in the Senate for local government autonomy , said the move by the federal government was in the right direction .

    The litigation according to him, was timely, as he Nigerian masses are in dear need of policies that will alleviate their sufferings at the local government level .

     

    “I am happy, Mr. President has begin to toe on our path to salvage our people by given the local governments autonomy to operate as enshrined in the constitution.

    ” The decision to compel the 36 states of the federation to give autonomy to local governments is a step in the right direction.

    “This will surely help in bring developments to our people, particularly the grassroots in the rural areas.

    “It will equally boost the nation’s economy by increasing our Internally Generated Revenue through agricultural value chain and other commercial activities that will come up after the local governments got their autonomy” , he said.

    He however, appealed to President Tinubu to also look into the problem of local government election, as according to him, is another problem affecting the progress of the grassroots under democratic governance.

    “I would be glad if president Tinubu will also address challenges affecting the conduct of local government elections in the nation.

    ‘ The president should do something to stop politicians from messing up with processes of local governments elections for their personal interests.

    “We are all aware how local government election is being conducted under the watch of states governors in this country.

    ” From the primary to the main stream election, the processes are always being manipulated by politicians for their personal interest against interests of the majority”, he added.

  • HARDSHIP! After hungry Nigerians emptied govt warehouse, FG to begin nationwide distribution of grains

    HARDSHIP! After hungry Nigerians emptied govt warehouse, FG to begin nationwide distribution of grains

    Barely 24hours after hungry Nigerians in Abuja emptied a Federal Government warehouse, the Bola Tinubu administration is set to begin nationwide distribution of grains to cushion the effect of hardship across the country.

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this on Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls that last Sunday many hungry Nigerians stormed a government warehouse and emptied it of foodstuffs.

    “Dear Fellow Nigerians,” he wrote on his official X handle. “In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouse looting.

    “Amidst these challenges, I want to assure you that our commitment to your well-being remains resolute. We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programs to be rolled out this week.

    “We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization.”

    The minister who hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people, urged them to back President Bola Tinubu’s government in its quest to address the challenges facing the country.

    “I acknowledge the strength of the Nigerian people, and it is this resilience that will guide us through these difficult times. Let us stand together to support Mr. President in his strive for a better Nigeria,” Kyari said.

    “Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing these challenges and working towards a more secure and prosperous future for all.”

    The development is part of moves by the government to curb the hardship in the country. Since the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, the cost of living in Nigeria has reached new highs.

    There have been protests in several parts of the country as Nigerians sought the government’s attention to address the economic hardship. Several warehouses and food trucks have also been looted in some places.

    But the Federal Government is calling for patience, assuring that the reforms by the Tinubu-led administration are set to yield fruit.

  • Abuja looted warehouse: It’s a strong message to Tinubu, says Adegboruwa

    Abuja looted warehouse: It’s a strong message to Tinubu, says Adegboruwa

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has said the looting of a government warehouse in Abuja on Sunday was a direct reflection of the level of hardship the majority of Nigerians battling currently.

    The lawyer said Abuja residents who looted food items used it to pass a message to President Bola Tinubu about the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Adegboruwa made this known in an interview with a television programme on Monday.

    The human rights lawyer stated that Tinubu and his economic team have an assignment of reviewing the current economic policies to renew the survival of the majority of Nigerians.

    SUFFERING IN THE LAND

    He said, “Across all states in Nigeria presently there is a crisis of survival from the part of the people. So, it is not just this particular occurrence, a truck bearing foodstuff was randomly attacked and looted. I do not support this in any way at all because we must have an environment where we can secure lives and property.

    “But it is a reflection of the fact that the economic policies of the present administration are not helping the people of the country and of course, these occurrences showcase the frustration that people are going through.”

    “You know what they say that we pray that we don’t get to a position where the low income earners will rise up to be eating the rich. I think there is a message to the president and members of his economic team that there is a need to rejig the system in such a way that will allow for the survival of the majority of our people.”

    Recall that the president removed the petrol subsidy immediately he assumed the office off Number One Citizen in May.

    Speaking on this, Adegboruwa said, “Effect of the fuel subsidy removal has imposed hardship on the people in terms of moving from one end to the other. And of course, factories are closing down, there is high unemployment, cost of living is very high whilst the earning capacity remains the same or even lower.”

  • Tinubu urged to probe payment of N159bn into private accounts by MDAs

    Tinubu urged to probe payment of N159bn into private accounts by MDAs

    President Bola Tinubu has been urged to extend enquiry into all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) indicted of paying over N159bn public funds into private accounts in violation of financial transparency laws.

    The call is coming on the heels of a recent investigative report by Premium Times and data published by Govspend, a platform tracking government spending, which exposed how over 20 MDAs paid at least N159.6 billion into private accounts in six years.

    Recall President Tinubu had suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu following public outrage over the disclosure that she approved the payment of N585.2 million public funds into a private account

    Legal practitioner Chidi Onwuekweikpe led the call for the President Tinubu-led administration to confront financial impropriety and impunity in MDAs during the anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by The Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in Abuja.

    Onwuekweikpe, while condemning the trend of officials paying public funds into private accounts, said the current administration must “sit up and rise to the occasion” to tame corruption in the public sector, adding that the country needs a sincere and patriotic public service.

    He noted that the ripple effect of people not being punished for wrongdoings over time was responsible for disregarding financial regulations and impunity in the public service.

    Onwuekweikpe advised President Tinubu and his administration “to go all out against corrupt elements and think of Nigeria.

    “If this government is serious about fighting corruption, they should, first of all, ensure that nobody gets away with any wrongdoing, no matter how long it goes. No matter how long it takes.
    “We have seen the government telling us that they are fighting corruption. Now, there are so many people who are in government that have files at EFCC, police, and the government is aware. It’s public knowledge. They are all public documents,” He said.

    On why public servants disregard financial regulations, the legal practitioner said: “We have a serious shortage of patriotism in Nigeria. People look at their pockets first before the interest of the country.

    “Nothing says that the person should not say, let’s follow the due process. Where are the documents for me to sign so that this money goes directly from the ministry into my account, not through an individual who works there?

    “We have beautiful laws against all sorts of, creating all sorts of crimes. But people do the same thing because they know they will get away with it. You see, there is no difference between the man walking the streets of London and the man walking the streets of Abuja. We all have the same human DNA. But the man in London will not flout the law because he knows that whoever he is, the law will always catch up with him. But the man walking the streets of Abuja could make a phone call and get away with whatever he has done”.

    Onwuekweikpe commended the Federal Government for ordering full implementation of the Oronsaye report, which will see the merging, subsuming, scraping and relocation of several government agencies. He, however, urged Tinubu to be holistic in his approach by cutting down the size of his ministers

    He also urged the government to start from scratch to teach children integrity to build a better society, tasking the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to be alive to their responsibility.

    On his part, Premium Times journalist Yakubu Mohammed joined the call for President Tinubu to probe MDAs indicted of paying public funds into private accounts immediately, lamenting that the government was yet to take any action weeks after the report was published.

    According to Mohammed, the president is aware that over N159 billion was reportedly paid into private accounts in six years and “if he is serious, people that are complicit should be punished.”

    He noted that the investigation exposed how porous the system is to financial misappropriation while calling on the administration to pay more attention to the activities of MDAs.

    “Let a thorough investigation be done, and people that are complicit should be punished for it.

    “It’s not a one-man show. He (Tinubu) has to look thoroughly into the MDAs. There is a need to reposition some officers but let there be stringent punishment for all this kind of vices.

    “I think one of the things responsible is just an outright aberration of the law when there is weak punishment,” Mohammed stressed.

    According to Premium Time’s report, MDAs that paid millions into individual accounts include the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Police Formations and Commands, Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano, National Directorate of Employment, National Commission for Refugees, Auditor General for the Federation, National Commission for Persons with Disability, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Budget Office of the Federation and National Human Rights Commission.

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • State of the nation: Tinubu takes full responsibility of all Nigerians, vows to build a nation that’s inclusive, fair to all

    State of the nation: Tinubu takes full responsibility of all Nigerians, vows to build a nation that’s inclusive, fair to all

    President Bola Tinubu says his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency with a particular emphasis on systematically inculcating fairness and equity in all aspects of the national life.

    Addressing Afenifere leaders at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, the President emphasized his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity.

    ”Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.

    ”We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity,” the President affirmed.

    On reforming Nigeria, President Tinubu said his task will be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of “what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”

    He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the tough but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.

    “The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.

    “I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.

    “We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently,” he stated.

    Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed support for his administration’s efforts.

    “You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” the elder statesman stated.

    Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.

    “Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said.

  • Benue elders write open letter to Tinubu over looming breakdown of law in Guma LGA by-election

    Benue elders write open letter to Tinubu over looming breakdown of law in Guma LGA by-election

    The Concerned Elders in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, have penned an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging his intervention in the forthcoming Guma 1 State Constituency Bye Election scheduled for February 3rd, 2024.

    The was signed by 12 local elders and copied to key officials including the National Chairman of APC, DSS, and Benue APC State Chairman, the letter highlights the importance of Mr. President’s leadership in ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy and the need for free, fair, and transparent bye-elections in Guma.

    The elders noted in the letter that: “We have unraveled reports of actions that jeopardize the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in Guma, this actions constitute a threat to our security which is a matter of national importance, we urge your office to thoroughly investigate the activities of the Governor and take necessary actions to ensure a transparent , credible , free and fair elections in Guma 1 State Constituency.

     

    READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW:

     

    His Excellency,
    The President,
    Federal Republic of Nigeria,
    Presidential Villa, Abuja,
    Nigeria.
    2nd February 2024

    Dear Sir,

    IMPENDING BREAK DOWN OF LAW IN GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT BYE-ELECTION

    We the concerned elders in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State wishes to write and draw the attention of the President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria to the alarming situation surrounding the upcoming Guma 1 State Constituency Bye Election scheduled to hold February 3rd 2024 in Benue State.

    It is with great concern that we have come together from our various council wards of Mbawa, Mbabai, Uvir, Nyiev, Mbayer/Yandev, and Mbadwen to express our worries about the destructive activities attributed to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia.

    We have unraveled reports of actions that jeopardize the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in Guma, this actions constitute a threat to our security which is a matter of national importance, we urge your office to thoroughly investigate the activities of the Governor and take necessary actions to ensure a transparent , credible , free and fair elections in Guma 1 State Constituency.

    We received credible report that early hours of yesterday Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia had in an arrangement with Senator Gabriel Suswam and concluded plans to support the candidate of the PDP, Hon Jimin Geoffrey, ordinarily we wouldn’t be bothered because the Governor has right to support whoever he wants since he has declared war on the party that brought him to power and has refused to support her candidate, but our concern is the Governor’s approval of 100 million making it a sum of 120 million he has given to PDP for the elections, initially the Governor was supporting the candidate of labour party until early hours of yesterday, he settled for PDP due to the plea of his friend Senator Suswam.

    The Governor in furtherance issued a directive to all his Commissioners and other appointees to go to Guma and do everything humanly possible to win for PDP, Your Excellency sir, we consider this as a direct attack on our lives, the Governor is not from here neither is any of his forest of appointees already carrying out the directive.

    We have gathered that thugs have already been mobilized from Makurdi, Vandeikya, Kwande and other surrounding areas to unleash terror on us, and further desecrate our land, in fear for our lives and self defense we have asked our children male or female to put up strict resistance by carrying local arms and making sure whoever attempts to spill blood in our community will have his own blood spilled to the ground too, we are a little community already destroyed by herders/invaders we won’t survive another crisis and it’s why we are ready to fight for our lives, blood for blood.

    While we would wish to remain committed to the principles of peace and justice, we must express the deep concern and frustration among the people in Guma, in the absence of swift and decisive action, there is a growing sentiment that compels us to state that we have advised our children to defend their rights with unwavering resolve, even if it means doing so with their last blood.

    It is our sincere hope that your intervention will promote democracy, safeguard the rights of the citizens, and uphold the principles that our great nation stands for, we believe in the strength of our democratic institutions, and your leadership is crucial in preserving the sanctity of the electoral process.

    We implore you, Mr. President, to intervene and take necessary steps to address the concerns raised by the citizens of Guma, your leadership is paramount in ensuring that our democracy continues to thrive and that the upcoming elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter, i trust in your commitment to the welfare of our nation and its citizens.

    – Elder Akam Gbaka – Mbawa Council Ward
    09110189009
    Converner

    – Elder Tyovenda Iormen – Mbawa Council Ward
    – Hon. Nomor kuji – Uvir Council Ward
    – Hon. Atsongu Kapa – Uvir Council Ward
    – Hon. Mtswen Gbande – Mbadwen Ward
    – Elder Ahine Akiki – Mbadwen Ward
    – Chief Simon kuhe – Nyiev Ward
    – Elder Shima Yuhaga – Nyiev Ward
    – Elder James Kumaga – Mbayer Yandev Ward
    – Chief Taryuhwa Gbaka – Mbayer Yandev Ward
    – Chief Naayande Gwebe – Mbabai Ward
    – Hon. Baikula Mbabov – Mbabai Ward

    Cc
    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF
    The National Chairman All Progressives Congress, APC
    The State Chairman All Progressives Congress, APC, Benue State
    The Department of State Security Services, DSS
    The Nigerian Army
    The Nigerian Police Force, NPF

  • Edugate: Tinubu announces temporary replacement for Betta Edu

    Edugate: Tinubu announces temporary replacement for Betta Edu

    In the wake of a financial scam totaling N585 million, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, has taken charge following the suspension of Minister Betta Edu.

    The move aligns with the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who suspended Edu on Monday amid allegations of misappropriation of public funds into private accounts.

    Enitan’s assumption of responsibility came after he received an official letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Monday night.

    President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, instructed the suspended Minister to “hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    Furthermore, the President has established a panel, headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, with the mandate to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs.

    The objective is to reform relevant institutions and programs to eliminate institutional frailties, ultimately benefiting disadvantaged households and regaining lost public confidence in the initiative

    The suspension of Minister Edu and the subsequent appointment of Enitan signify a commitment to transparency and accountability within the ministry.

    As the panel begins its work, the public eagerly anticipates the outcome of the investigation and reforms that aim to ensure the effective utilization of public funds for the betterment of those in need

  • Bleak Christmas for Federal workers as ’emilokan’ admin fails to pay December salaries

    Bleak Christmas for Federal workers as ’emilokan’ admin fails to pay December salaries

    It was a bleak Christmas for Federal civil servants across Nigeria as ’emilokan’ administration failed to pay December 2023 salaries.

    The federal civil servants who bitterly complained to whoever bothered to ask said on Christmas ‘shishi’ no gum us to celebrate Christmas.

    A probe into this development by a national medium revealed that all the workers in federal ministries, some in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHoCSF), and others in Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) said the development was unexpected.

    It was learnt that the situation was the same with federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and associated federal institutions all over the country.

    Sources said only workers in revenue generating agencies like NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, NCC, CBN, FIRS, among many others got their salaries for December.

    In separate interviews the distraught workers lamented the inability of the government to pay their salaries, especially in the Christmas celebration season.

    “Despite the general misgivings about previous administrations, I cannot remember anytime our December salaries were delayed,” one of the workers said.

    “With the way things are ‘tough’ in the country, we don’t even have savings. We were excited when they announced a 50 per cent discount on transportation, but sadly despite the support many people could not travel ahead of Christmas.

    “How can we travel and enjoy the so called 50 per cent transport reduction, when we don’t have monies in our pockets?” another civil servant asked.

  • Presidential Directive on Ondo Leadership Crisis: No room for legalization of criminality

    Presidential Directive on Ondo Leadership Crisis: No room for legalization of criminality

    The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, intervened, once again, in the current political impasse in Ondo State and spoke decisively on the part of the provision of the law by ordering the immediate emergence of the Deputy Governor as the Acting Governor.

    We note that the transfer of power to the deputy governor in an acting capacity pending the return of the governor to his duty post is the constitutional and right thing to do.

    However, the point of disagreement here is the President’s acceptance of Babajide Akeredolu’s plea for a letter from Governor Rotimi Akeredolu transmitting power to his deputy, in place of the Doctrine of Necessity earlier directed.

    The President is aware that our organisation is already working with relevant agencies on the criminal allegation of large-scale forgery of Governor Akeredolu’s signature on account of his unfortunate ill health at the moment.

    The danger looming is that if a forged signature is allowed as the premise for transmission of power to Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, it will be difficult to reject the same forged signature on other documents that are currently in our possession and many more in different government agencies across the state. There can not be a rejection of the signature in some instances and acceptance of the same in other instances.

    We, however, do know that the President is fully in the know of Governor Akeredolu’s state of health at the moment, his level of lucidity, and his likely inability to sign any letter.

    It’s our concern that any attempt to accept a forged letter to the House of Assembly which will transfer power to the deputy governor in an acting capacity will confer some sort of legitimacy on the forgery already perpetrated which will make it difficult for the forgers to face the full wrath of the law in the fullness of time as we are determined to bring perpetrators to face the law.

    In this circumstance, we suggest an electronic signature be used in place, or a law enforcement officer be sent alongside the Governor’s son to sign the letter in full glare of the camera.

    We advise that the right thing be done in making the deputy governor the acting governor while we pray for the full recuperation of the governor.

    Signed:

    Kolawole Johnson
    Head, Directorate of Research and Strategy

    Acts For Positive Transformation Initiatives.

  • Budget: Animals living in Aso Villa to gulp N201m in 2024 as Nigerians endlessly wait for N50k monthly grant

    Budget: Animals living in Aso Villa to gulp N201m in 2024 as Nigerians endlessly wait for N50k monthly grant

    Aso Villa allocates N201 Million for Animal Welfare, Tinubu and Shettima’s N10.13 Billion Budget for Meals and Travel.

    This is coming as Nigerians endlessly wait for the promised N50,000.00 Federal Government grant and new minimum wage to start by April 2024.

    In the scrutiny of the 2024 budget proposal, it has been revealed that a significant portion is allocated for various expenditures, including animal welfare and the expenses of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    The total budget has an aggregate revenue projection of N18.32 trillion with a deficit of N9.18 trillion (3.88 percent of GDP). The specific allocation for “refreshment & meal and foodstuff for the offices of Tinubu and Shettima” amounts to N660.5 million. Out of this, N287.8 million is designated for the President’s office, and N372.6 million for the Vice President’s office. The breakdown further reveals that President Tinubu’s refreshments and meals will cost N33.6 million, with an additional N254.2 million allocated for foodstuff/catering materials supplies. Vice President Shettima’s expenses include N35 million for refreshments/meals and N337.5 million for foodstuff/catering materials supplies.

    Interestingly, the budget also includes a provision of N201.4 million for the “wildlife conservation” of animals at Aso Rock’s zoo. Additionally, the renovation of the President and Vice President’s quarters at the State House is budgeted at N800 million, with N500 million allocated for Tinubu’s residence and N300 million for Shettima’s. It is noteworthy that in the 2023 supplementary budget, N13.5 billion was approved for the renovation of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima’s official residences in Lagos and Abuja. The breakdown included N4 billion for the renovation of the President’s residential quarters, N2.5 billion for Aguda House, N4 billion for Dodan Barracks, and N3 billion for the official quarters of the Vice President in Lagos. In the 2024 budget proposal, honorarium and sitting allowance for the President and Vice President are set at N152.3 million and N67.3 million, respective.

    Additionally, N37.9 million is allocated for powering generators in the State House, while N260.8 million is earmarked for electricity charges.