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Tag: NASS

  • Oversight functions: Tinubu tells NASS to stop inviting Ministers, Heads of agencies

    Oversight functions: Tinubu tells NASS to stop inviting Ministers, Heads of agencies

    President Bola Tinubu has sought for more restraint in the exercise of the oversight functions of the legislature on the executive arm of government.

    Tinubu said that this would result to efficiency and effective service delivery as well as promote good governance and accountability.

    The President made the call at the breaking of Ramadan fast with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House on Wednesday in Abuja.

    ‘’I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the Speaker.

    “Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight.

    “But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the Governor of the Central Bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation.

    ‘’If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you.

    “See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations,’’ the President said.

    Tinubu also lauded the cordial working relationship between the executive and the legislature since his assumption of office, adding that he has confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance.

    He said that the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the passage of several bills aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

    The President urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies and to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society.

    ‘’We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.

    ‘’We must have faith, and please do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through.

    ‘’I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria,’’ the President stated.

    In his remarks, the Speaker emphasised the importance of forgiveness, generosity, and prayers during Ramadan and called for unity in the nation and support for Tinubu.

    ‘’I want to urge us to use this month to increase our good deeds and minimize our bad deeds,’’ he said.

    Reflecting on the 10 months of this administration, the Speaker noted that the executive and the legislature have continued to work in synergy for the progress of the country.

    ‘’So far, so good, the House has been very supportive of the President and his policies, and we shall continue to ensure that we work together,’’ the Speaker said.

  • Budget Padding: CSO cautions against attempts to undermine Legislative Oversight

    Budget Padding: CSO cautions against attempts to undermine Legislative Oversight

    In the wake of escalating tensions surrounding allegations of budget padding within the National Assembly, the Save Nigeria Forum (SNF), a prominent Civil Society Organization (CSO) dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability, has issued a stern rebuke against what it perceives as attempts by certain opposition groups to undermine the critical oversight role of the legislative arm of government.

    The SNF expressed deep concern over the surge of unfounded accusations and efforts to tarnish the integrity of the National Assembly, particularly concerning alleged instances of budget padding. Such actions, according to the SNF, not only jeopardize the credibility of the legislative institution but also pose a threat to the foundational principles of democracy upon which Nigeria is built.

    The position of the CSO was contained in a press statement it issued in Abuja and jointly signed by its Convener, Abdul Ahmed and Executive Director, Mansur Adegbite.

    Reaffirming the constitutional mandate of the National Assembly to scrutinize executive proposals and ensure transparency in the allocation of public funds, the SNF underscored the indispensability of robust oversight mechanisms in fostering governmental accountability and nurturing public trust.

    The organization lamented the exploitation of genuine concerns surrounding budgetary processes by certain opposition factions for political gain, cautioning against the dissemination of baseless accusations and the propagation of divisive narratives that risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.

    In a resolute stance against attempts to undermine the credibility of the National Assembly, the SNF urged all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the media, to uphold the sanctity of democratic principles and refrain from engaging in actions detrimental to national unity and cohesion.

    Moreover, the SNF called upon the leadership of the National Assembly to remain steadfast in their dedication to serving the interests of the Nigerian populace and safeguarding democratic norms.

    Emphasizing the imperative of unity and collaboration in confronting the nation’s challenges, the organization reiterated its support for efforts aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance within the country.

    In a final declaration, the SNF extended a vote of confidence in the leadership of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, dismissing calls for their resignation as baseless and politically motivated.

    The organization affirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and advancing the collective interests of its citizens.

  • NASC tasks newly elected NASSLAF Exco on quality leadership delivery

    NASC tasks newly elected NASSLAF Exco on quality leadership delivery

    The Executive Chairman of National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Engr. Ahmed Amshi Kadi, has tasked the newly elected Exco of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF) on quality leadership delivery.

    Engr. Kadi gave this charge at the inauguration of the NASSLAF 10th National Assembly Exco and Central Working Committee CWC on Friday in Abuja.

    The NASC chairman, represented by Rt. Hon. Amaechi Nwoha, National Commissioner, South-East Zone, said the newly elected executive must be aware that they are coming into office at a time when leadership sacrifices and capabilities are at its highest demand.

    “I want to charge the administration we are here to inaugurate today that they are coming into office with the challenges of leadership which is quiet high base on the current economy reality the nation is facing.

    “You are coming into office at a time when leadership sacrifices and capabilities are at its highest demand.

    He expressed assurance that the good working relationship that had existed between the Commission and NASSLAF will continued and get better with the new Exco.

    “We at NASC are assuring you of our cooperation always. Our expectations for the newly executive is for you to improve on the achievements of the immediate past executive.

    “We are hopeful that you will work hard, so that together we can move the Commission to the next level”, he said.

    In his goodwill message, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal Magaji, assured the NASSLAF Exco and members of a peaceful working relationship.

    While commending NASSLAF Electoral Committee for the peaceful conduct of its election, the Clark, represented by Barr. B.S Maina, Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development Directorate, charged the newly elected executive to toll the path of peace.

    “The Clerk said I should tell you all that he is a man of peace and that you should expect nothing short of it, so what he wants is that we should sustain the peace experienced during your election.

    In his inaugural speech, NASSLAF chairman, Barr. Emeka Nwala, expressed optimism that the days of paying little or no attention to the welfare of members by the NASS management are over.

    Barr. Nwala, who was particularly concerned about member’s welfare, said his administration, with the collective efforts of the relevant stakeholders will ensure members welfare receives adequate attention.

    “Our member welfare have not received the best of attention even…all our entitlements from the 6th Assembly, to this end my administration is determined with the collective support of all stakeholders to address this lingering issue”, he said.

    The high point of the occasion was the issuance of certificates and administration of Oath of office to the newly elected Exco and CWC.

    Present at the inauguration ceremony was the DG, National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studie (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, ably represented by Mrs. Rekiya Ibrahim Atta; Clerk of the Senate, Barr. Chinedu Akubuaze, among others.

  • How N3trn budget padding, N500m “awarded” ranking Senators is unsettling NASS

    How N3trn budget padding, N500m “awarded” ranking Senators is unsettling NASS

    The National Assembly (NASS) has been rattled by an allegation of padding the 2024 budget by over N3 trillion and an alleged N500 million awarded to high-ranking lawmakers.

    As the upper legislative chamber deliberated on the N3 trillion alleged to be padded in the 2024 budget during plenary on Tuesday, Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe from Cross River North made a yet shocking revelation.

    Senator Jarigbe said: “All of us are culpable. Some so-called Senior Senators here got N500 million each from the 2024 budget. I am a ranking Senator, I didn’t get anything. No Senator has a right to accuse Senator Ningi”.

    Problem started after Senator Abdul Ningi granted the Hausa service of the BBC an interview where he was reported to have said President Bola Tinubu was operating two different budgets for 2024.

    It said Ningi had claimed that the NASS passed N25 trillion as 2024 budget and not the N28.7 trillion that was being implemented by the Federal Government.

    According to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ningi paid a consultant N30 million to conduct an investigation that unravelled the N3 trillion budget padding.

    “Ningi called some of us for a meeting. When he told me this, I told him I would like to see the details. But, I didn’t receive it,” Senator Akpabio said.

    However, the Northern Senators Forum that Ningi was reportedly speaking on its behalf quickly dissociated itself from the Bauchi Central Senator, saying there was never a time where they held a meeting and mandated Ningi to address the press on the said matter.

    Speaking with newsmen, Senator Ningi himself denied saying President Tinubu was operating two different budgets for 2024.

    Ningi was subsequently suspended for 3 months by the Senate, and he went on to resign as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, citing unfolding events in the NASS.

    Meanwhile, the Senate had explained that the N3 trillion alleged to be padded in the 2024 budget was actually statutory transfers to first line charge agencies of government not domiciled in the ministries.

    Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Senator Yemi Adaramodu gave the explanation while also dismissing the issue of the award of N500 million to high-ranking Senators as a fairy tale.

    Senator Adaramodu said the issue of budget padding was a negative connotation and a serious crime in budgeting, hence the Senate did not take it lightly.

    He also said the allegation that a section of the country was allocated more funds than other regions was not put in the right perspective, saying that allocations were done sectorally.

    Remarking, Akpabio said “the integrity of this Chamber has been totally damaged” over the allegation by Ningi.

    Meanwhile, the least is yet to be heard of the unrest in the NASS. President Tinubu had invited Akpabio for a meeting, the outcome of which is yet to be made public.

  • NASS Committee probing IOCs vows to arrest CEOs if …

    NASS Committee probing IOCs vows to arrest CEOs if …

    … they fail to appear before panel

    The tripartite Committees investigating the implementation of corporate social responsibility by multinational oil companies and other corporate bodies in the South-South Region of the country have threatened to issue warrant of arrests on the headship of the companies that failed to honour their summons.

    The chairman of the tripartite committees Hon Professor Obiageli Lilian Orogbu frowned at the failure of some major oil companies to attend the investigative hearing which held at the National Assembly complex Wednesday.

    Professor Orogbu warned that she and her co-chairmen as well as the entire members of the committees would not hesitate to deal with any organization that failed to respect the assignment investigative panel.

    “The House has asked us to carry out this exercise based on quantum of petitions from host communities against most of you and we will not take kindly with any organizations that decide to undermine this assignment” Professor Orogbu stressed.

    Professor Orogbu who had in her opening remarks emphasized that the essence of the investigative hearing was borne out of genuine intention of the parliament to see that corporate bodies operating in Nigeria keep to the best practices of corporate and environmental behaviours within their host communities acknowledged that “reports at the disposal of the parliament showed that a lot of you are lagging behind in this regard”.

    “We want to see a change and also ensure that what you do as corporate social responsibility to your hosts are commensurate with the level of businesses you do. Some of you observe corporate social responsibility in other countries you operate but you fail to do same here because nobody cares.

    “We want a new Nigeria and we need you to work together with the government to rebuild this country. I know that some of you are doing quite well but there are many of you that are not responsible enough “. The chairman further stressed.

    Members were also not happy that only Chevron was the international oil major that honoured the invitation though all the companies that attended the hearing didn’t come with the evidences of what they had done for their host communities and for that reason, the meeting was rescheduled for another date which will be communicated to them by the secretariat.

    The committees involved in the investigative hearing are the Corporate Social Responsibility, NigerDelta Development Commission and that of Host Communities.

  • SAD! Ex-Deputy Clerk to NASS, Ben Efeturi is dead

    SAD! Ex-Deputy Clerk to NASS, Ben Efeturi is dead

    Ex- Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly [DCNA], Mr Ben Efeturi, is dead.

    A family source revealed that Eferuri died on Wednesday morning in Abuja at about 2a:m.

    He was said to have battled prostrate cancer for some years until he succumbed Wednesday morning.

    His remains, as learnt, have been deposited in a morgue.

    Before he retired as DCNA, he had made a move to become the Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA.

    The move was upended by higher forces in the National Assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).

    The NASC appointed Sani Omolori, who was Clerk to House of Representatives instead to succeed Salisu Maikasuwa who voluntarily retired in 2016, months ahead of his retirement date.

    Recall the media reports ‎about the climax of the ‎tussle over who would become the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly then.

    A report had said that the tussle had finally been laid to rest with the outgoing Clerk, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, reaffirming the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Omolori, the incumbent Clerk of the House of Representatives, as the incoming Clerk.

    Maikasua, in memo dated May 12, 2016, named Sani-Omolori as Acting Clerk in his absence.‎

    It could be recalled that the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Adamu Fika, in a letter dated April 20, 2016, appointed Sani-Omolori as Acting Clerk to the National Assembly from May 14, 2016 to August 14, 2016..

    However, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in his response to the appointment of Sani-Omolori, told Fika, through his Chief of Staff, Senator Isa Galaudu, that he was not in support of the appointment of Omolori.

    Saraki rather pushed for the appointment of the incumbent Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Ben Efeturi.

    Saraki, in the letter, directed Fika to withdraw Sani-Omolori’s appointment letter forthwith and issue a fresh one for Efeturi on the grounds of seniority.

    This was however not complied with by Fika, who, in another letter to Saraki, dated April 26, 2016, explained the circumstances that led to Sani-Omolori’s appointment as against Efeturi’s.

    But the circular issued on Thursday by the outgoing CNA, appeared to have finally laid the issue to rest as the Outgoing clerk specifically stated that Sani-Omolori, as earlier appointed by Fika, would act in his absence.

    Maikasuwa, in the circular entitled: “Commencement of Terminal Leave,” said: “I am proceeding on my terminal leave from 14th May, 2016 to 14th August 2016.

    “During my absence, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohamned A Sani-Omolori, will perform my duties, please.”

  • Finally, NASS staff to retire at 65 as Senate extends retirement age

    Finally, NASS staff to retire at 65 as Senate extends retirement age

    The Senate has passed a Bill that seeks to add five years to the retirement age of staff of the National Assembly Service.

    If the Bill is signed into law, staff of the National Assembly Service would now retire at age 65 years instead of 60 years and 40 years in service instead of 35 years.

    The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to Make Provisions for the Retirement Age of Staff of National Assembly Service and for Other Related Matters, 2024,” transmitted to the Senate from the House of Representatives for concurrence was last week stepped down by the red chamber to allow for further consultation.

    In reintroducing the Bill, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the needed consultations had been done and the Bill was now fit for passage.

    Earlier, there was tension among staff of the National Assembly over the planned extension of the tenure of the current Clerk, Sani Magaji Tambawal, and over 200 staff due for retirement in November this year would have their tenures extended by five years.

    However, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), in a statement in Abuja endorsed the Bill.

  • Nigerians are dying of hunger, NLC president, Ajaero tells NASS members

    Nigerians are dying of hunger, NLC president, Ajaero tells NASS members

    …we will address it, lawmakers assure labour leaders

    NLC President, Joe Ajaero has told federal lawmakers that Nigerians are dying daily due to hunger and high cost living.

    Ajaero disclosed this while addressing members of the national Assembly on Tuesday at the NASS complex, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who decried that Nigerians are dying of hunger as a result of the economic hardship in the country, urged the Federal Government to urgently address the situation.

    Comrade Ajaero who led thousands of protesters including civil society organizations in protest against the economic hardship.

    He said: “We thank everyone for making this happen. Today has come to pass. They said we should not be but we are here. We are here because there is hunger in the land. History will not forgive us if we do not protest at the level of hunger in the land. It is to signal to the authorities that there is a problem in the land”.

    The NLC President further lamented the falling value of the Naira, growing insecurity, and rising unemployment among other issues.

    He said that immediate measures must be taken to address the suffering, adding that the NLC would decide its next line of action.

    The NLC President presented a letter containing their grievances to the representative of the leadership of the National Assembly.

    Chairman Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, Senator Diket Plang, who accepted the letter on behalf of the National Assembly said they were aware of the hardship and assured that efforts would be made to urgently address the situation.

    He promised that the letter would be dispatched accordingly.

    “We are supposed to stand in for Nigerians where it pinches them. I want to assure you that the National Assembly is very sensitive to what is happening, very sensitive.

    “The leadership of the National Assembly, yesterday, the Senate President and the Speaker met. I was with them. We parted around 12 midnight and all the issue is about bringing solution to the suffering and yearnings of Nigerians.

    “We are at a very critical period that Nigeria is taking a decision that would be of economic advantage to all of us.

    “My plea and our plea is for the union to reason with us, understand with us. There is no way we will allow this thing to continue. But steps must be taken.

    “Already the 15th agenda of the Memorandum of Understanding given between government and labour are being tackled. The last issue that is in place is the issue of minimum wage and negotiations are going on.

    “There is no way that we will not end up with a resolution and a decision that will benefit Nigerians.

    “I assure you that all of us, the press, general public, everybody is feeling it, but Nigeria will succeed. The president will succeed. We will succeed. We are very sensitive to it. So may God Almighty, help us to maximize our potentials, maximize our natural resources, may we intervene in such a way that all Nigerians will be able to exploit the God-given wealth that we have. We are all on the same page”, he stated.

    Also, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Labour and Productivity, Rep. Adefarati Adeboyega, supported his Senate counterpart.

    “We will take your letter to the leadership of the Nation Assembly. Very soon you will hear from us. We are facing the same challenges.
    The economic challenges and hardship faced by Nigeria is borne by everybody.

    “I want to assure you that the leadership of the National Assembly will look into your request and demands and take swift and bold action. I can assure you Nigeria will breathe again,” he added.

    Various security agencies were seen stationed around the entery and exit points of the National Assembly particularly the Federal Secretariat axis to ensure the orderliness of the action.

    Despite several warning by some security agencies, the NLC went ahead with a protest against the economic hardship in the country.

    Recall that the DSS had last week warned that some persons are planning to use the opportunity of the planned protests by organized labour slated for 27th and 28th February to foment crisis and widespread violence.

    The Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS National Headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement, had called on labour to shelve the action meant to protest the economic situation in the country in the interest of peace.

    He had urged that they pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten tensions in the country.

    These entreaties however seem to have fell on deaf ears as the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, insisted that the protest must go on.

  • CSO urges Senate to tow the line of HoR by passing Harmonised Retirement Age of Staff of NASS Bill

    CSO urges Senate to tow the line of HoR by passing Harmonised Retirement Age of Staff of NASS Bill

    A Civil Society Organization, Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre has called on the Senate to urgently tow the line of the House of Representatives by passing the “Harmonised Retirement Age of Staff of National Assembly Bill”.

    This was contained in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Igbotako Nowinta at the weekend, the group asserted that:

    “As keen watchers of the affairs of the National Assembly, and also as concerned patriots of our country, the Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre, is bringing to the door steps of public opinion, an issue that is of tremendous importance to the health and well bein of the highest legislative body in Nigeria.

    “On Monday, 4th of December, 2023, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) held an epochal meeting at the Senate Conference room, in Abuja, and subsequently came out with a communique that swallowed hook, line and sinker the need for five (5) years extension of service of staff of the National Assembly.

    “In taking that historic decision PASAN’s Congress adopted the planned extension of 5 years in service for her teeming members as a wonderful way to give its staff the opportunity of growth for better service delivery within the system; such as it is obtainable in civilized parliamentary democracy globally.

    “The following officials appended their signatures to that fantastic document: Omagu Godwin – Chairman; Gideon Nwaogu – Secretary; Sani Rabiat – Member; Millicent Laz -Eke – Member; Mr. Okpekor N. Okpa – Member.

    “When the Bill: “Harmonized Retirement Age of Staff of National Assembly Bill” was navigating through the House of Representatives, a public hearing was conducted with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in attendance including yours sincerely; The Federal Civil Service, the Nigerian Union of Teachers ( NUT), the National Judicial commission (NJC) and others stakeholders were all around to scrutinise the Bill. No vested interests raised any objection at that level.

    “Now, that the same bill is now to be looked at the Senate, it is most absurd that a few individuals are frantically attempting to blow up a great process they had collectively and passionately supported in the past. Why now; why trying to scuttle the superior position taken by PASAN’s congress; why this sudden fire – breathing approach a process genuinely meant to be of immense benefits to the staff of the National Assembly?

    “That these disgruntled, shameless, inconsistent elements are now shouting aloud that this proposed bill is being opposed by faceless Junior staff of the same National Assembly, is most laughable, unprogressive, self serving and ridiculous. It shows clearly that they are being sponsored by some desperate personalities who are hell bent on getting to the cockpit of the highest bureaucratic seat in the National Assembly.

    “It is therefore, on this note that we decided to come out to oppose and anathemise stridently those paid actors working assiduously to kill this laudable Bill; we are gravely concerned because this is an issue that genuinely touches the over all well being of staff of the National Assembly nay the long time robust sustainability of progressive capacity of staff.

    “We will not allow this brazen attempt to subvert and obstruct the superior will of PASAN’s congress; this unfortunate efforts to generate climate of tension and acrimony within the National Assembly, where it is non existence is doomed to collapse.

    “Those few gangs of men taking out their spleen against this process; those fanning the ambers of rebellion or conjuring artificial atmosphere of tension, precipitied by bile self interests; exhibiting or show casing meanest aspirations of the few are suffering from moral failure and they should be ignored by the relevant stakeholders within the National Assembly.

    “Simply put, any remote or direct conspiracy from any quarter against this Bill should never be allowed to stand.

    “For us the present position of few over ambitious individuals is like trying to use bare hands to halt a progressive moving train for the staff of the National Assembly; and this is passionately calling on the Senate President, Speaker, House of Representatives, and other heavyweights within the National Assembly and beyond to do the needful by ensuring uncompromisingly and indefatigably that this proposed legislation: “Harmonized Retirement Age of Staff of National Assembly Bill”, is passed smoothly for the benefit of posterity and posterity.

    “The Senate should not fail or falter in patriotically towing the magnificent line already taken by the House of Representatives.

    “The acceptable school of thoughts in this direction is that if this bill sees the light of the day, it will germinate into a scenerio of meaningful and comprehensive development of the nation’s highest legislative organ.

  • Lawmaker petitions NASS over EEDC N2.1bn estimated billing in Enugu communities

    Lawmaker petitions NASS over EEDC N2.1bn estimated billing in Enugu communities

    Rep. Ibe Osonwa (LP-Abia) has petitioned the National Assembly, seeking explanations why some communities in the Ohafia Local Government area of Enugu have been denied power supply for five years.

    He said, in spite of the blackout for five years, exorbitant bills to the tune of N2.1 billion were being presented to the affected communities.

    Osonwa in a petition he submitted to the House of Representatives in Abuja on Friday, said that the communities were seeking explanation on how they accumulated a bill of N2.1bn in spite of not having power supply for five years.

    According to him, several attempts have been made towards the amicable resolution of the lingering issues occassioned by the perpetual darkness in the affected communities, but to no avail.

    He said that in spite of efforts made by Abia State deputy governor, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, who is from the affected area, to ensure that the communities celebrate Christmas with power it wasn’t achieved.

    According to him, the Deputy Governor did all he could within his power, from replacing fallen poles, lines that were down,saying a lot of money has been  spent by the community but, to no avail.

    “The EEDC claimed that one of the lingering issues is alleged vandalism, which the governor and his deputy have agreed to resolve.”

    He said the most worrisome of the issues raised by EEDC was the over N2.1bn debt billed against the communities how it was accumulated? he quarried .

    “What they are telling us is that we should pay the money and they will give us power, but we are telling them to supply us power, then we resolve the so-called outstanding debt.”

    He said that the estimated bill presented to the communities by EEDC was unjustified and unwarranted.

    He said even his biological father, who died nearly three years ago, was presented an outstanding debt for the power his consumes amounting to N600,000.