NATIONAL GRID COLLAPSE FOR THE SECOND TIME

Black out worsens as national grid collapse twice within 48 hours. Some states were thrown  into darkness sequel to disruption of power supply from the collapse.

Eko Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the collapse in a public notice that read thus;

"Dear esteemed Customers,  we would like to inform you of another system collapse on the national grid which occurred at 5:10 p.m on (Tuesday)

Before the collapse, Nigerians barely enjoyed 15 hours of light per day. Many places enjoy less than 5 hours. 

How long will this continue despite many promises made by APC led government before taking over power from the PDP? 

Kind pend down your view on what you think about this article and the likely solution to this national problem. 

FOOLISH IS NOT IGBO - Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (Retd)

Former chief of army staff, Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd)writes:

BACKGROUND

1. Since 1999, the SouthEast had belonged to the ruling political party at the centre---Fed Govt, which we had overwhelmingly voted for, in all past elections, and the party had over 15 unbroken years in power.  Most Igbo elites of today (political, socio-cultural, business, and to some extent, clerical), made their fortune and fame during that period. The ruling party lost presidential election in 2015, and a new coalition part came to power. This category of Igbo elites were angry at the loss of political offices and influence, with the perquisites involved; patronage in contracts and appointments into the boards of Fed Govt MDAs, etc. They could not come to terms with the change.

2. Even before the new President was sworn-in, the pro-Biafran IPOB group, which had campaigned for the then ruling party in 2014, had started a vicious campaign of hate, abuses and lies against the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, and his ethnic group, and the North in general. The disgruntled elites kept supporting and fueling the campaign. It didn't matter that SouthEast was visibly getting more infrastructural development in the fewer years of the present Fed Govt than it got in the longer period of the past ruling party. All that ruled the day were anger, hate, venting the spleen, pull-down-the-roof mindset.

3. The IPOB pro-Biafran agitation had been an umbrella for sundry youth criminal groups: armed robbers, cultists, ritualists, fraudsters, drifters, etc. Their common uniting factor is anachist inclination and proclivity for violence, which is justified as a necessary requirement of a "revolution" to first destroy the existing system, and when the "revolution" has succeeded, then you rebuild everything better. The youths were brainwashed on such diet. The various groups cooperated in sourcing for arms and ammunition for the "revolution", to imbue themselves with greater authority. The disgruntled elites promoted and supported it, as long as it was primarily directed at the Fed Govt and its facilities in the SouthEast. The elites never believed in any Biafran "revolution" though. They new it cannot happen. The campaign was all provocative rascality, insults and abuses in a running hate propaganda and lies, being juiced with doctored and photo-shopped video clips and a steady flow of fake news. And it was all sweet melody as long as it was directed at President Buhari and his Govt. 

4. Sample:  There are four (4) military service chiefs, and normally, two come from the North, and two from the South. It is still the same under the present Fed Govt. But you could hear every imaginable twisted narrative and lies about marginalisation and sectionalism against the South and the Igbos in particular. Since this 4th Republic started in 1999, Nigeria has had four (4) Presidents, including the present one. Two had come from the South (Obasanjo and Jonathan from SouthWest and SouthSouth respectively), and two from the North (Yar' Adua and Buhari, both from NorthWest). So, out of the six geopolitical zones, three have produced the President and three have not. This is public knowledge.

5. You can hear some highly placed Igbo leaders/opposition politicians shouting loud and clear that only the SouthEast has not produced a President since 1999 while all other zones have done so, and that this is injustice and inequity against Igbos and that Nigeria cannot survive without justice and equity. That's like insulting the sensibilities of other members of the Nigerian space, as well as issuing a threat. And those leading this chorus are well educated, very knowledgeable and internationally exposed persons who the less educated and ignorant masses look up to, for facts and guidance. When the base human emotions, the animal human nature, takes over, intellect and enlightenment is relegated. Such brazen lies are told to whip up rash emotions and victimhood mindset which lead to dishing out insults, abuses and hate speech against some other members of the Nigerian space.

6. You cannot win the free-will votes of Nigerians by such method. Or do we think we can go to court, obtain an injunction, then come back to nominate a President which Nigerians must accept without voting, or must vote for, all because "it is our turn"? Meanwhile, some other leaders from other parts of the country have been busy building and mobilising grassroot support from across the zones, with a view to gaining their votes in next year's presidential election. Are we expecting they should do the cultivation labour and then hand over the harvest to us, because "it is our turn"?  Foolish is not Igbo.

7. Some of our loud voices believe so much in Josef Goebbels' strategy of Big-Lie:  Tell the lie boldly and repeatedly, and the masses will believe it to be the truth. Nazi Germany applied it in its drive to exterminate the Jews and "rid Europe of inferior nations", while deceiving the wider world as to the true situation on the ground. But that did not go far before Germany suffered a devastating collapse, and the future generation learnt to say, "never again". If some of the Igbo leaders of today continue to rely on such strategy, then we could expect a similar backlash, because this form of dirty politics breeds violent conflict and destruction.

8. The vicious campaign failed to bring down President Buhari's Govt, and did not also succeed in intimidating and blackmailing the President to do their dictate. Their game plan did not work out. Contradictions set in, and in a twist, the mad dog trained to attack the enemy, turned against its master breeder, and we are all caught up in a fix, confused about the way out. Some prominent spokesmen would attack the person of the President:  that he has been romancing Boko Haram and bandits in the North, releasing them and granting them amnesty, while refusing to release a freedom fighter (Nnamdi Kanu) who has not committed any offence, and that Nigeria will know no peace if he is not released. At the same time, another top leader of the same group would say they are appealing or pleading with the President to release the detainee in order to douse tension in the SouthEast, because it's all about equity and fairness, and that is the only way for Nigeria to move forward; that the President is the father of the nation and should forgive the detainee as his son. This is not how to seek for "political solution" if they think that's what they are doing. They are still dishing out insults and threats.

QUESTIONS:

9. What plan has the Igbo leaders laid out to get the armed gangs to renounce violence, surrender their weapons and be rehabilitated in a kind of amneety program?

Or are they thinking that the Fed Govt should keep quiet and watch armed gangs of non-state actors take over the space and dictate what happens, by using threats and wanton violence? No responsible national government anywhere in the world will tolerate that. Threats, blackmail and insults cannot work here. Nor will simpletonic cunning and fox game work. We must take responsibility, with forthright approach in seeking solution to the problem, then we could be sure of cooperation and support from the Fed Govt, particularly in the area of funding.

10. Those talking of "unconditional release' of Nnamdi Kanu, from the ongoing terrorism-related court trial, are simply jesting, dancing to cheap gallery, entertaining and deceiving themselves and the local folks. It shows crass insensitivity and total disregard to serious national-security concern, as well as insulting the sensibilities of other groups of Nigerian stakeholders. We better wisen up and think better.

11. Recall that this group of pro-Biafran agitators were attacking and destroying Fed Govt facilities in the SouthEast, attacking and killing duty police men and women and their stations burnt, as well as attacking members of other Fed Govt security agencies, and killing Igbo leaders and peasants who disagreed with their method. How many of this elders publicly spoke out against that?  It was as if some of them were celebrating the feat and blaming the Fed Govt for creating the situation. That was before the leader of the group was re-arrested outside the country and brought home to face cout trial. Has the group denounced such violence?

12. Now that the monster we created has turned back to attack us, we must take responsibility, with a spirit of forthrightness and atonement, in seeking for solution to the problem. Empty grandstanding, cunning and fox game, can only drag and worsen the situation. President Buhari will soon complete his tenure of office and another President (most likely from the SouthWest) will take over, and we could again start attacking him with insults, abuses and hate propaganda, which will lead us nowhere and cannot succeed in intimidating the new person to do our biddings".

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Backs Sanwo-Olu on Repeal of Ex-Governors’ Pension Law

Former Lagos State governor Bola Tinubu has described the move by the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to repeal the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension Law 2007) as “bold and courageous”.

The law provides for payment of pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies. Mr Sanwo-Olu told the State House of Assembly of his intention on Tuesday during his presentation of the proposed N1.155 trillion 2021 budget.

Tweeting on Wednesday, Tinubu expressed his support for the governor’s plan and congratulated him on the budget proposal.

“Congratulations to Governor Sanwo-Olu over the Year 2021 budget which he appropriately christened ‘Budget of Rekindled Hope’. This audacious and enterprising budget will empower our people and begin to rebuild Lagos State,” the APC leader wrote.

“In particular, I would also like to commend the Governor for the plan to commence the repeal of the Pension Law giving pension packages to former governors and their deputies. “This is a bold and courageous move by Mr. Governor and I wholeheartedly support him. I encourage all APC loyalists to do the same.”Sanwo-Olu told the assembly he planned to repeal the law “in light of keeping the costs of governance low and to signal selflessness in public service.”

This bold steps if successful, will put an end to the payment of pension to former governors and their deputies who only work for either 4 or 8 years in office. 

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More Youth Inclusion In Modern Agriculture Will Bolster Economy, Improve Earnings, Says President Buhari

By

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja urged agencies involved in agriculture to further streamline their priorities in the inclusion of youths in driving modern methods of farming while assuring all those interested that an enabling environment will be created for full participation.

In his remark at the launch of National Young Farmers Scheme, designed by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to spur more youth interest in farming, the President said agriculture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy, being the largest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 “We will do more to expand, modernize and revolutionize our agriculture, which is our most important asset. he went further “I have directed that all NALDA’s abandoned farm estates be retrieved to enable thousands of our young men and women to be engaged in farming. This Administration will be achieving agricultural mechanization through this scheme and I am confident that Nigeria under my watch, we will achieve food security in producing most of what we eat. In good harvest years we may even export our surpluses and earn foreign exchange.’’

President Buhari noted that the resuscitation of NALDA will make Nigeria food sufficient and in a few years begin to earn more revenue from export of agricultural commodities. “By virtue of my passion and desire for agriculture and also as a farmer myself, I am directly supervising NALDA as an authority under the Presidency. 

“I am asking the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and State Governments to give full cooperation to NALDA in its activities. With the success of Anchor Borrowers programme spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria and new programmes to revive cotton, palm products and cocoa, the next few years will see a vast difference in our agricultural performance.’’

The President said all the necessary approvals that NALDA requires for effective take-off, beginning with areas of adequate land preparation for crop farming and livestock rearing, had been given, charging the Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA and his team to continue to live up to expectations and increase their activities in local communities.

“I am told that, so far, 4,333 families have benefited from this scheme and it is expected that many more individuals and families will benefit as the programme is rolled out.

“I now flag off the National Young Farmers’ Scheme.  It is my expectation that the Scheme will take in young Nigerians, graduates and non-graduates alike, and be part of this Government’s effort to reduce unemployment and contribute to the regeneration of agriculture and our economy.’’

The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, commended the President for his steadfastness in repositioning the agricultural sector since coming to office, opining that the country had already felt the impact of the policies of the administration.

The Senate President said there was a need to encourage agricultural agencies, like NALDA, to work closely with the research institutions in Nigerian universities.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of NALDA, Mr Paul Ikonne, said the discovery of oil in the country hampered the growth of agriculture and increased poverty in rural communities, assuring the President that the concerted effort to revive interest in farming will tackle poverty and create wealth.

Ikonne said the resuscitation of NALDA after close to 20 years of abandonment will go a long way in reducing unemployment in the country, especially among the youth. “Our focus is to engage 1,000 farmers from each of the 774 Local Government Areas, thereby creating 774,000, direct employment annually,’’ he added.

Goodwill messages were given by a representative of the Young Farmers, Fatima Usman Musa and Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Jesper Kamp.

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, also participated in the launch

Ex-Governor's Pension: I won’t Scrap Pensions of Ex-Governors Like Lagos-Okowa

 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, says there are no plans to repeal the pension and entitlements of former governors and their deputies in Delta State.

We reported how Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, submitted a bill to the state house of assembly on the abolishment of pension payments to former governors and their deputies, a move he said would cut cost of governance.

Speaking on Wednesday, in Asaba, Delta state capital, Governor Okowa said he cannot introduce the policy. “There is an existing law in Delta state on what accrued to the governors and their deputies, that I don’t want to touch,” Okowa said. He went futther “We are not thinking in that direction, my counterpart in Lagos may have reasons why he wants the law repealed but we in Delta don’t want to go into that.

“I don’t want to comment on the decision of Lagos State Governor. Each state has the power to make a decision concerning its governance.”

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos, had commended Sanwo-Olu for the initiative and advised governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to do same.

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#EndSARS:Meet Mr Kenechukwu Okeke- A Nigerian Youth That Sue Pastor Adeyemi, Aisha Yesufu and 48 Others

This is Kenechukwu Okeke. A Nigerian youth in his 40s, that initiated criminal proceedings against suspected top #EndSARS  promoters. He sued Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Aisha Yesufu and 48 others over protest.

Kenechukwu Okeke is a notorious lawyer, with a Twitter handle @HumanRightsNG and also serves as a coordinator for the Good Governance Initiative.

He has records of controversial cases. He attacked Willie Obiano and sued him over the presentation of the state budget for 2019 and as well tackled Anambra State Government for banning the use of tricycles in the state and many more.

He should be reminded of his brother, Daniel Kanu, the youth who promoted Abacha by organizing “YOUTH EARNESTLY ASK FOR ABACHA” (YEAFA). Where is Daniel Kanu today? He is now a shadow of himself! He regretted supporting the late iron man because he was rejected by his people for supporting late General Abacha. Same fate awaits a betrayer young man who thinks money or position is everything in life.

The activist, Kenechukwu Okeke, has filed a criminal complaint before a Chief Magistrate’s court in Abuja against 50 #EndSARS promoters for their alleged roles in the protests, with the looting and destruction of properties, that took place last October.

In the case which was instituted on Monday in pursuant to sections 88, 109(a), 110(1)(c) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Okeke listed prominent personalities, mostly entertainers and social media influencers as the defendants.

Okeke in his suit alleged that during the riot, his properties were destroyed and the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice.

Those listed as defendants include Musician Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz; social media comedians, Debo Adebayo aka Mr Macaroni, and Maryam Akpaokagi aka Taoma.

Other musicians sued include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent Idibia aka Tuface, Bankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh aka Don Jazzy and Yemi Alade.

Apart from musicians, others listed as defendants include Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi; activist, Aisha Yesufu; ex-Super Eagles legend, Kanu Nwankwo; a former Director-General, Bureau for Public Sector Reform, Dr Joe Abah; journalist, Kiki Mordi, and actors, Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo.

Others are social media influencers – Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro and Deji Adeyanju were also joined in the suit.

Okeke, who alleged that during the protest, his properties were destroyed, stated that the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice. In his supporting affidavit, Okeke said the defendants played active roles in the #EndSARS protest which later became violent.

The suit from Okeke partly reads, “That the 1st to 50th accused persons between the 3rd day of October 2020 and the 28th day of October 2020, using Twitter, an Internet web source with URL https://www.twitter.com within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire amongst themselves to commit misdemeanour, to wit, promoting and acting in such a manner, with intent to assist in the promotion of #EndSARS and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97(2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That the 1st to 50th accused persons with intent to carry out some common purpose, assemble in such a manner or being assembled under the composition of #EndSARS as to cause persons in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to fear on reasonable grounds that such assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion may provoke other persons tumultuously to disturb the peace.

“Properties belonging to the complaint were egregiously destroyed by some riotous and tumultuous persons instigated and incited by the 1st to 50th accused persons.”

While instigating a private criminal prosecution against all the alleged perpetrators and coordinators of the #EndSARS riots on Twitter, the plaintiff said the nation bled, lost lives, and properties worth billions destroyed as a result of the sheer recklessness of some persons.

One of the prominent faces of the #EndSARS movement, Deji Adeyanju, has filed a complaint against Kenechukwu Okeke, before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for “acts unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”

 

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US Finaly Promise to Support Nigeria to End Boko Haram – Pompeo

 

The United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said on Wednesday Washington would deploy all the tools at its disposal in the fight against Boko Haram and other terror groups in Nigeria and West Africa.

Pompeo, according to a statement on his Twitter handle, made the promise at the end of a virtual meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State co-hosted by Nigeria on Tuesday.

An 82-member global coalition led by the US expressed their full commitment to defeating ISIS and other terror groups including Boko Haram at the meeting.

The US secretary of state added that a “great progress” was made at the meeting with the Nigerian government.

Pompeo said: “Great progress was made at yesterday (Tuesday)’s virtual Global oCoalition to Defeat ISIS meeting on West Africa. We will use all tools at our disposal to counter ISIS and its affiliates anywhere in the world. My thanks to Nigeria for co-hosting the event.”

Can United States walk their talks about Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria and other terrorist groups in Africa. When and how will they support Nigeria? Let's know your views on this article in the comment section. 

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