News
Ebonyi Community accuses desperate politicians for latest security scare
***Condemns frivolous petition against ex-council boss
Leaders of Ekoli in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have cautioned desperate politician to eschew all forms of strife and divisive antics capable of plunging the local council into needless confrontation.
The leaders, under the auspices of Ekoli Patriotic Front (EPF), told journalists in Abuja, Friday, that they were compelled to hand out the warning following the attempts by some errant political jobbers to orchaestrate mischief by peddling rumours against well meaning individuals from the area.
Led by Chief Agwu Chima Onyike, (President -General), Mr. Okoro Ekuma Anya (Secretary-General) and Comrade Ogbuagu Okwara, National Public Relations Officer, EPF condemned what it called misleading the petition against the former Council Chairman of Edda LGA, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima by faceless persons under the guise of Ekoli Edda Band of Hope Union.
They explained that already a copy of the communique released by the community after their meeting has been sent to the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on the need to call to the state chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sunday Okoro Emegha to order.
While accusing the state APC chairman of instigating shadowy figures to author frivolous petitions against his perceived rivals, EPF stated that the ongoing moves to change party leadership in the state should not be allowed to destabilise Ekoli community and Edda Local Government Area.
“As peace-loving and patriotic citizens, we are demanding that the authorities should disregard the petition titled, ‘Urgent Security update” for the reason that it is the product of scaremongers and political jobbers.
“In the same vein, we have called on the faceless authors of the petition to withdraw same immediately, particularly given that the contents are concoctions and drips with tissue of unimaginable lies calculated to malign the former council boss,” EPF stated.
The leaders denounced those “hiding behind the cover of Ekoli Band of Hope Union to instigate false security alarms against Eni Uduma Chima to create the impression that fresh crisis was brewing in Ekoli Edda community.
While urging the faceless petitioners to withdraw their petition and render public apology to Chima, who is a former two-term member of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, EPF declared: “The petition is yet another patently false conjecture by some supposedly learned Ekoli elites, who live in perennial and morbid fear of the unmatched popularity and accomplishments of our illustrious son, Eni Uduma Chima, Ph.D.”
Part of the communique, which was made available to newsmen read: “To all intents and purposes, the so-called petition, was signed by one Samuel Kalu Ama Mba, who claims to be Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Ekoli Band of Hope Union and a perceived Assistant Secretary, one Okechukwu Oke Azu and copied to the security agencies and some government offices in Ebonyi State.
“The petition exemplifies the worst false alarms raised in recent history by those faceless characters that have always rendered ignoble services for their political paymasters, especially the State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha to stoke fear, tension and anxiety in our peaceful and peace-loving Ekoli community.
“The very poorly punctuated petition strangely had alleged that, “He (Eni) was sighted today with his group of boys with weapons in the remote part of Mogborokuma, Azuofor, Ogba Agu, and Ndi Ibom.
“We wish to clearly state that only for the fear of Hon. Barr. Eni Uduma Chima that these badly rehashed petitions are being circulated and fabricated purposely to achieve hidden political agenda they may be desperately plotting.”
EPF said it was not in doubt that the love and popular acclaim which Eni and other well meaning sons and daughters of Ekoli enjoy must have stoked the envy and hidden animosity by faceless characters and their desperate political paymasters.
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.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi12 months ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu