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Ortom accuses VP security protocols of breach of procedure

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Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom on Saturday accused security protocols of the vice president deliberate breach of order of precedure when they allegedly prevented him from receiving Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the airport terminal of Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Base, Makurdi.
Osinbajo was in Benue on a 2day working visit

Ortom alleged that the incident took place on Saturday morning when the visit of the VP was officially communicated to him and he went to receive Vice President Osinbajo as protocol demands.

An enraged Ortom blamed the incident on the security operatives attached to the Vice President.

The governor said the visit of the Vice President was officially communicated to him on February 10 and he went to receive Vice President Osinbajo as protocol demands only for his security aides to bounced him at the gate.

A letter signed by Abdullahi Gwary, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs/Head of Protocol, Office of the Vice President, dated 10th February 2023 informed Governor Ortom of the visit that Osinbajo was heading to Wukari, Taraba state, en route Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The governor who narrated his ordeal to newsmen at the Government House vowed to officially report the matter to the Vice President.

He insisted that someone must account for what happened at the airport.

“It is unfortunate that an ugly incident occurred today, which is a breach of protocol and I feel so sad for our country Nigeria, where everything has been reduced to politics. There are certain things you don’t politicise.

“I was to attend the burial ceremony of one of our elders and leader, Prof Ignitius Ayua; I’d made all arrangements to travel to Konshisha Local Government Area (LGA), then this letter was brought to me, that the Vice-President is going to be in transit, through Makurdi to Wukari.

“I decided to mandate the Deputy Governor (Benson Abounu) to represent me at the burial of Prof. Ayua. So, this morning I got prepared and went to the Air Force Base, where the Vice President is supposed to land, en route Wukari and unfortunately, I was bounced, at the gate; in my own state.

“It is a normal thing, when distinguished dignitaries, like the President or the Vice President, is passing through your state, that the state Governor receives him.

“It doesn’t happen; this is a breach of protocol and this is not accepted; this is politics taken too far; this is not correct and somebody must account for this.

“If a personality like the Vice President is visiting my state and I cannot go there to welcome him, then it will be a breach of protocol on my part. How can I go to the Air Force Base and I am bounced at the gate? I mean this has never happened, anywhere in this country.

“How can you bounce a governor in a state where you are? What is the meaning of that? I feel so pained and I’m going to report this to the Vice President.

” Well if they choose to do something, fine, if they don’t, it’s okay. But that is the kind of thing they want; they want us to remain as a banana republic.

“It’s really unfortunate. I feel very sorry. And those who are keeping quiet, I tell them, one day, they will not be where they are. We must come out together and condemn the evil that is happening in our country. This is not right, ” he said.

He , however , said that it was possible that “the same Presidency that wrote to me is not aware (of what transpired.)

“But I think we should if we must make progress, differentiate between politics and government activities; it is government activity that I welcome Mr President or Vice-President; that I welcome any dignitary that comes here from the Federal Government.”

Furthermore, he noted that We don’t have a constitution. Can’t you differentiate politics from this thing? Have I insulted the president? Have I insulted the Vice-President? All that I’m saying is that let the right thing be done. Let there be justice, equity and fairness.

“I have never insulted the President, the Vice President or the Federal Government but there are certain things that they are doing which are wrong that should be corrected.

“You will recall that even the Executive Order 10, where does the President in a democratic setting have the right to issue decrees? Maybe because he was once a military ruler, he still believes that he would be issuing decrees. He does not have the right.

“How can the President usurp the powers of the National Assembly? These are the things that I criticise and it is constructive. And today, thank God I am vindicated because the Supreme Court has ruled that the President does not have powers to be issuing decrees. He is no longer a military President, he was democratically elected by the people.

“So, if he wants anything, he should pass it through the National Assembly, just like I do when I want anything; I pass it through the State House of Assembly.

“It is very unfortunate that this presidency is barefooted, it is lame duck. And that is why we are having all these insecurity problems in our country today. That’s is why the economy of this country is going down,” he stated

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Power Minister Orders Immediate Action on Grid Collapse Committee’s Recommendations

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Chief Adebayo Adelabu

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and related agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of a committee formed to address frequent grid collapses.
This is happening as TCN acknowledged potential temporary power disruptions as it begins repair work on the national grid.

The directive followed a recent grid disturbance reported at 11:29 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, caused by a sudden frequency increase from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
The TCN reported that recovery efforts were promptly initiated, with power partially restored within minutes in the Abuja region, though work continued in other areas.

Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, noted that the committee’s recommendations aim to offer lasting solutions for both immediate and long-term grid stability.

TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah confirmed that the agency has begun implementing these recommendations, which involve technical upgrades and strategic repairs across key areas. Ongoing work includes improvements on the 330kV Shiroro–Mando transmission line, significant upgrades at the Jebba Substation, and restoration of the second 330kV Ugwuaji–Apir line.

According to Mbah, while these enhancements are underway, some intermittent power instability may persist.
The TCN has appealed for public understanding during this period, emphasizing that the measures are critical for achieving a stable and reliable power supply across Nigeria.
The TCN reiterated its commitment to minimizing power disruptions and enhancing the grid’s resilience, recognizing the essential role that stable electricity plays in the country’s economic growth.

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Fuel scarcity imminent as NLC declares support for NUPENG’s nationwide strike threat

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A fresh wave of fuel scarcity may soon hit Nigeria as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), after its threat of a nationwide strike.
The strike warning followed an alleged military intervention to forcefully remove oil workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, sparking outrage within labor unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement released Friday condemned the reported involvement of military personnel, which he described as a breach of labor rights and a threat to the principles of industrial relations. According to Ajaero, the NLC is in total solidarity with NUPENG in its stance against the alleged forced eviction warning that NLC would escalate its response if such incidents continue.

The dispute popped up following a longstanding industrial disagreement between NUPENG and the rig’s management, who allegedly failed to honor contractual agreements concerning worker severance benefits.
NUPENG has criticized the actions of the oil companies involved—Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors—for allegedly ignoring legally binding agreements and resorting to what they describe as intimidation tactics.
Earlier in the week, NUPENG filed a petition with the Federal Government to address the conflict, expressing alarm over the deployment of armed forces.
Despite this, it is reported that a special naval unit was flown to the Oritsetimeyin rig on Thursday to eject workers, prompting NUPENG to threaten a nationwide shutdown if the government does not intervene.
In response, Ajaero highlighted the destabilizing effects of military involvement in workplace matters, which he said could damage an already fragile economy and violate workers’ rights.
“We cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces,” he stated, calling on the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to uphold labor statutes and prevent further harassment of union members.

The NLC also stressed the importance of keeping industrial disputes out of the military’s purview, urging authorities to allow peaceful negotiations to run their course.
“This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue,” Ajaero emphasized, urging the government to protect workers’ rights to fair negotiation without coercion.

With fuel scarcity on the horizon, Nigerians may face disruptions if the strike goes forward, impacting businesses, transportation, and day-to-day activities across the nation.

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Akpabio Mourns Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Laggaja

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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. Describing Lagbaja as a “fine, committed, and dedicated officer,” Akpabio praised the late military leader for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security and unity, even at great personal risk.
In a statement by his special assistant on Media Jackson Udom, Akpabio shared that he was shocked by the news, having recently spoken with Lagbaja, who had been optimistic about his return to office.
The Senate President remarked on the significant loss Lagbaja’s death represents for Nigeria, particularly in the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.

“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military community, and the Lagbaja family on this great loss,” Akpabio said.

He extended prayers for strength and comfort to Lagbaja’s family, friends, and colleagues and wished for the late officer’s soul to find peace in Aljanah Firdaus.

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