NEWS
Reps Recommend N500m Recapitalisation for DISCOS
The House of Representatives has recommended a recapitalisation programme of not less than N500 million for all Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOS) in the country to remain operational.The recommendation followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka (APC-Ogun) at plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.
Moving the motion earlier, Isiaka said that the activities of DISCOS in the country were posing a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians. He said that consumers are being coerced into paying for meters that they have earlier financed, causing financial strain on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.The rep said that when essential services are used against citizens who were intended to be served, it stifles growth and development, amounting to economic sabotage.“Despite constant regulatory oversight and demand for accountability by the Committee on Power from these companies, DISCOS remained recalcitrant in operating with impunity and disregard for consumer rights.“The DISCOS’ actions pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and welfare of the citizens. There is need to stand against injustices and prioritise constituents’ needs and rights,” he saidThe House urged the Federal Ministry of Power to declare DISCOS as non-state actors and take immediate measures to address their reckless actions, threatening the nation’s economy.The lawmakers said that they should activate public awareness campaigns and initiatives to educate consumers about their rights and the proper channels for addressing grievances related to electricity servicesIn his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committee on Power to investigate the activities of DISCOS with the intent to hold them accountable and safeguard consumer rights.He said the committee should examine the implementation of the strict regulations governing the operations of DISCOS to ensure transparency and fairness in dealings with consumers.The Speaker directed the committee to report back to the house within four weeks for further legislative actions. (NAN)NEWS
Bill to Rename Benue Varsity Passes First Reading
A bill to rename the Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi to Moses Orshio Adasu University has passed first reading at the Benue State House Assembly.
The bill was read during Wednesday plenary by the acting Clerk of the House, Mr John Hwande.
Also during the plenary, a bill for the establishment of Benue State University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ihugh, in Vandeikya local government area also passed first.
Daily asset reports that three other bills also passed first reading.
The bills include a bill for a law to amend a free and compulsory basic education and a bill for a law to establish a task force on quality healthcare and prevention of quackery in the state.
Report says that two out of the bills, which were from the executive, were presented to the house by the Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer.
The others were presented by the member representing Gboko East Constituency, Mrs. Becky Orpin, and that of Kwande West, Mr Thomas Dugeri.
The Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, who presided over plenary, referred them to the House Standing Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative scrutiny. (NAN)
NEWS
Tinubu Approves Leadership Changes for Oye-Ekiti, Lokoja Varsities
President Bola Tinubu has approved the swap of Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of the Governing Councils of Federal University Oye-Ekiti and its Lokoja counterpart.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
“In the reshuffling, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Pro-Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, will move to Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, while Mr Kayode Ojo, who previously held a similar position at Oye-Ekiti, will assume same role in Lokoja.
“This strategic change is part of Tinubu’s initiative to foster diversity and national cohesion in the management of the country’s universities,” he said.
(NAN)NEWS
NYSC Gets new State Coordinator in Delta
Mr John Kwaghe has assumed duty as the new Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Delta.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Stella Ogbummuo, NYSC state Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday in Asaba.
The statement said that Mr Kwaghe, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Career Management hails from Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“The new state coordinate has worked in many states and the National Directorates Headquarters in different capacities including Ekiti and Nasarawa State.
“In line with the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters’ sustained drive to optimise the scheme’s operations nationwide, a new state coordinator has been posted to take over the headship of NYSC Delta State secretariat.
“He will take over from Mr Olusegun Alao, who has been transferred to NYSC South South Area Office 1, Delta State,” Ogbummuo stated. (NAN)