News
Kogi Guber: We had the most peaceful governorship election since 1999 – Speaker
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
SPEAKER of Kogi House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf has described the November 11, off-cycle Gubernatorial polls as the most peaceful governorship election in the history of the state since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
The Speaker who disclosed this in his opening address to the members at plenary on return from a seven-week recess on Tuesday in Lokoja recounted “the many things that transpired in the course of the November 11th gubernatorial election in the state.”
Rt Hon. Yusuf congratulated the 8th Assembly members in the state for making history as the lawmakers in whose tenure the state held one of “the most peaceful governorship elections since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999.”
He recounted that though the state was polarised along ethnic divides during the campaigns, the recently concluded elections had shown the strength of the nation’s democratic system in allowing the voices of the people to be heard.
Yusuf therefore called on the members and indeed, the entire state, to rise above differences and discord saying, “while the election may have highlighted our differences, it is imperative that we focus on the common ground that unites us.
“Let us rise above the discord of the campaign season and dedicate ourselves to finding common-sense solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.
“In the aftermath of a particularly polarizing electioneering campaign, we gather here with the shared commitment to move forward, to work collaboratively and to serve the greater good of our constituents.
“In the diverse tapestry of our democracy, we recognize and respect the multitude of perspectives that our constituents hold. It is this diversity that enriches our debates and fuels the democratic process.
“Today, we must come together, regardless of our political, ethnic, and religious affiliations to fulfill the promises we made during our campaigns and address the pressing issues facing our society.
“As we enter this legislative session, it is essential that we keep in mind the common purpose that unites us which is the betterment of the lives of those we represent.
“We are entrusted with the responsibility to legislate, deliberate and make decisions that will shape the future of our communities, villages and towns that we represent across Kogi State”, he said.
The Speaker said that only through engagement in open and respectful dialogue, cooperation and compromise, could they collectively forge a path that reflects the will of the people and advance the common good of the entire state.
“Respected colleagues, be reminded here that as legislators, we play crucial roles in shaping the legal framework that governs society; hence, our responsibility in lawmaking should be approached with utmost seriousness.
“As we approach the end of year 2023, we must make ourselves available to deliberate on issues at hand and other very serious pieces of legislation that would ensure the progress of our state.
“This is important because laws have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities that we represent. Legislation dictates how people interact, trade, and coexist within a society.
“A single law can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from personal freedoms to economic activities. As legislators, we must recognize the weight of our decisions and approach lawmaking with all sense of responsibility”, he said. (Ends)
News
Power Minister Orders Immediate Action on Grid Collapse Committee’s Recommendations
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.
News
Fuel scarcity imminent as NLC declares support for NUPENG’s nationwide strike threat
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.
News
Akpabio Mourns Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Laggaja
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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