The Plateau Government has procured 70 new transformers to boost power supply in rural communities in the state.

Gov Caleb Mutfwang, who inaugurated the transformers on Wednesday in Jos, described the move as a giant stride towards the growth and development of the state.

Mutfwang, who reiterated his administration’s commitment towards making Plateau better, promised to make the state the envy of all.

He explained that though 55 transformers were initially approved, the government subsequently granted approval for an additional 15 units, bringing the number to 70.

The governor emphasised that improved power supply remains central to economic growth, small business development, job creation and overall quality of life.

“This is still a drop in the ocean, because the communities that have come forward to demand for transformers are now three times more than what we have procured.

 “Though the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step, today we are taking a step in the right direction and we believe that access to electricity is not a privilege, but a right.

“This is why we have decided to democratise access to electricity by coming to the aid of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.”he said

Mutwang disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the installation of a 132KVA transmission line to serve the Southern and Central parts of the state.

He also assured communities in Bassa and environs, that discussions with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) had been concluded towards restoring electricity to areas that have suffered prolonged power outage.

 “Our ambition is that in the next two years, Plateau will become a net seller of energy.

 “Government is supporting the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) and also expanding investments in solar and other renewable energy sources to diversify the state’s energy mix,” Mutfwang said.

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawandi, described the initiative as part of the government’s comprehensive rural electrification drive.

He urged benefiting communities to take ownership of the facilities and safeguard them against vandals.

“These transformers will improve voltage stability, reduce power disruptions and support residential, commercial and industrial activities.

“The initiative will also complement our broader efforts to ensure that energy infrastructure adequately supports water supply schemes and other critical public services,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, Gufwar Audu, commended the governor for the intervention.

He noted that stable electricity would significantly enhance livelihoods and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.

The Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex has come alive with intense action as no fewer than 128 boxers battle for places at the National Trials.

The athletes comprise 101 men and 27 women, including four diaspora boxers, all competing for 10 coveted spots on Team Nigeria’s boxing squad to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Vivian Azimene, said the trials initially had provision for three male and three female boxers.

She, however, said the number was increased to five male and five female boxers following a visit by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukonla Olopade.

“We were initially going with three women and three men, but after the visit of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, we were assured of five female and five male slots.

“In total, 10 athletes will represent Nigeria in boxing across six weight categories,” she said.

Azimene commended the boxers for their determination and noted that the inclusion of diaspora athletes had further strengthened competition.

“That is why we are conducting the trials; to give every boxer an equal opportunity to be part of the team. We will ensure that those selected will make the country proud,” she said.

The trials commenced on Tuesday with preliminary bouts that extended late into the night.

Quarter-final contests were held on Wednesday, while semi-final bouts are scheduled for Thursday.

The trials will climax on Friday with final bouts and other activities expected to hold between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The competition is being held in 10 weight categories — five for men (55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg) and five for women (51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and +70kg).

Nigeria has a rich pedigree in boxing at the Commonwealth Games.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Team Nigeria fielded nine boxers led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba and won four medals which comprised one silver and three bronze.

Boxing will also feature at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to hold from July 24 to Aug. 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow.

Fourteen boxing events — seven for men and seven for women, will be contested as part of the Games programme including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball and basketball. 

By David Torough, Abuja

The United Benue Bar, comprising the Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has raised strong objections to the recent invitation extended to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB.

In a press statement jointly signed by the chairmen of the three branches, the association described the move as unconstitutional and contrary to established judicial precedent.

The statement argued that only the National Judicial Council (NJC) possesses the constitutional authority to investigate or discipline serving judicial officers.

Citing the Supreme Court decision in FRN v. Nganjiwa (2022) and its affirmation in Opene v. NJC & Ors (2023) by the Court of Appeal, the lawyers maintained that a judicial officer cannot be subjected to investigation or prosecution without first being referred to the NJC through the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“The invitation by the Code of Conduct Bureau over an alleged investigation is an aberration of well-established authorities,” the statement read, warning that bypassing the NJC undermines judicial independence and the rule of law.

The association referenced the 2019 case involving former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, who was prosecuted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal over asset declaration charges.

Although Onnoghen was removed from office after being found guilty, his appeal at the Court of Appeal later resulted in a settlement with the Federal Government, leading to his acquittal and payment of his entitlements.

The United Benue Bar alleged that the current development mirrors that earlier episode and cautioned against what it described as a “sinister move” to unlawfully remove the Chief Judge.

It further suggested that the action could be perceived as an attempt to undermine minorities who have attained high judicial office through merit.

While clarifying that it was not holding a brief for Justice Tsoho, the association insisted that due process must be followed. It aligned itself with the position earlier expressed by NBA President, Afam Osigwe, who also condemned the invitation.

The lawyers called for the allegations, if any, to be formally referred to the NJC for investigation and appropriate recommendations in line with constitutional provisions, stressing that adherence to the rule of law remains paramount.