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Delta APC describes Okowa as clueless, says VP nomination only exposes his incompetence

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The Delta APC Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation has described the Ifeanyi Okowa-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration as the worst in the history of the state, and that his nomination as Vice Presidential Candidate of the opposition PDP has brought his sheer incompetence to national focus.

In a statement by the Director, Communications and Media Strategy of the Delta APC Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation, Ima Niboro, the organisation accused the PDP government of running a clueless and shortsighted administration with an agenda to impoverish the people and make life difficult for all but a few favourites in the state. 

Niboro, who was reacting to a statement credited to the governor in which he said the APC had poor knowledge of governance, noted that key economic data and self-evident facts attest to PDP’s deep-rooted irresponsible governance of Delta state.
He therefore charged the PDP to begin preparation to vacate Delta Government House after 2023 general elections.

Specifically, the campaign organisation spokesperson lamented that state institutions have been reduced to personal estates, adding that Deltans are witnessing the most cruel, insensitive and clueless government in the history of the state.

“Okowa is a clueless governor who fiddles while Delta burns. Under his watch, Delta has become the Keke capital of the world. Under his watch, Delta is ranked 31st amongst the 36 States of the Federation in fiscal performance and responsibility.

“We are the fourth most indebted State in Nigeria and there are no infrastructural developments to justify the endless reckless borrowings. We are now at a major crossroads of unprecedented sociopolitical and economic decline.

“Despite our huge revenue-generating potential, a paltry N59.73 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was reported in 2020. We are also one of the States that depend most on federally distributed revenue. Our local economy has no capacity to withstand even the slightest national economic shock.

“Rather than invest our wealth in our people and modernize our public infrastructure, all we have is constantly growing fiscal recklessness, waste of public resources and mediocrity,  while deploying cheap propaganda and lies to cover them up. Indeed, governance in Delta all about the politics of exclusion, clannishness, impunity, sleight of hand,and of playing tin god without the requisite track record to do so. It is governance by incompetence and mindless greed,” he said.

The former Presidential spokesman cited a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which indicated that the state did not attract any foreign investments in the first quarter of 2022,

He lamented that despite the huge oil and non-oil earnings, rich human capital and potentials for wealth creation, Delta State is backward, undeveloped and burdened with serious unemployment,huge debts, rising crime rate, decayed infrastructure and widespread poverty.

According to him, despite being a cabinet member of successive administrations in the state since 1999, Okowa evidently had no plans when he was elected seven years ago.

“No administration in Nigeria has surpassed Okowa’s abysmal record of irresponsible wastage, squandering and frittering away of scarce and declining resources. This government has not only failed spectacularly but will be remembered as the worst administration in the state since its creation in 1991.

“It is therefore quite intriguing that such a government can attempt to lecture anyone on the tenets of governance. Let Okowa produce his track record of seven years and the N2.5 trillion that has gone down the drain. What is his report card? What legacy projects can he point to?

“Is tarring one and two kilometre roads his legacy, or owing pensions and gratuities to the old and retired, the veritable weakest among us his bequest? Can he compare himself with any of his colleagues in the South South, even those that receive a token of what Delta gets every year?

“Rivers State glistens under Governor Nyesom Wike. Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Cross River are undergoing infrastructure and socio economic revolutions as we speak. In Delta, it is the same old decrepit infrastructure, mud and sludge, blood and brine, yet Okowa seeks to lecture anyone on governance?“ he wondered.

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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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