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Jigawa Assembly suspends LG chairmen over N942.03M

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Jigawa Staye House of Assembly Complex

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The house committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs of the Jigawa State House of Assembly has uncovered financial misappropriation of over N942,033,814 by four local councils’ chairmen

This was contained in a committee’s report presented on the floor of the House during plenary session presided over by the speaker of the house, Rt. Honourable Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin.

Presenting the report to the house the committee chairman, honourable Aminu Zakari said the discovery was made during the committee’s oversight function carried out in the 27 local government areas of the state.

The House unanimously approved the suspension of the four local government council chairmen and directed the vice chairmen of the affected local councils to take over the mantle of leadership till further notice.

The committee chairman, honourable Aminu Zakari listed the affected local government council chairmen to include Alhaji Muhammad Sani, Dutse Honourable Bala Usman Chamo, Gumel, Honourable Ahmed Rufa’i and Ringim Alhaji Shehu Sule Udi for alleged financial misconduct and administration in their respective local government councils.

According to the report the chairman of Auyo local government council, Alhaji Sani was accused of making 54 payments of over N158.3 million without vouchers, 29 illegal payments to the tune of N54.3 million, 54 payment of over N66.8 million without vouchers among other allegations.

While honourable Chamo of Dutse local government council was suspended over alleged illegal transaction to the tune of N240,001,082 which contained 70 irregular payments amounting to over N126.4 million, over N30.6 million payment 19 times without proper procedure and approval.
Explaining further, he said, 42 payment vouchers amounting to N82.8 million had no supporting documents such as house approval, LPO, Bill of quantity etc.

The Gumel local government chairman, honourable Rufa’i was accused of missppropruating over N543.6 million, part of which is over N400 million ecological fund diverted to overhead cost and 22 different payments to the tune of over N143.6 million to individuals.

But the case of the suspended Ringim local government chairman, Honourable Udi is more of administrative lapses with some financial malpractices such as illegal auctions of local government properties, shortchanging local government finances on internally revenue generations.

Honourable Zakari submitted the recommendation for the committee to the house as follows “That these honourable house should consider the indefinite suspension of local council chairmen of Auyo, Dutse, Gumel and Ringim for suspicious allegation of misconduct, negligence of duties and inducious spending of public funds without justification in line with provision of section 9 of local government law principal cap 18 law of JIgawa state 2012 as well as financial memorandum”. The vice chairmen of the affected local government should take over the local government council till after investigation. The house should continue with further investigation on the matter”.

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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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