POLITICS
Reps Vow to Correct Electricity Sector Wrongs, Recover Govt’s Investments
By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has said that the House was determined to correct the wrongs that have plagued the nation’s electricity sector in the last 17 years, as well as recover government’s investments in the sector.
The Speaker who spoke at the commencement of investigation into the power sector reform regretted that the nation’s power sector has undergone serious challenges that has hindered growth ans inefficiency.
The Speaker represented by Chairman House Committee on Environment, Hon. Mike Etaba
said the House owe it to Nigerians as a constitutional duty to ensure that the reforms intended to enhance service delivery, increase capacity, and improve infrastructure are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented and yielding the desired results
The Speaker said “electricity as we all know it, is the lifeblood of modern civilization as no nation attains sustainable progress without reliable power supply.
From our factories to our schools, our hospitals to our homes, electricity determines productivity, quality of life, and our collective economy.“Regrettably, the Nigerian power sector has witnessed numerous challenges that have hindered its growth and efficiency. It is about time we looked into the reforms implemented over the past 17 years, to understand their successes and shortcomings, and to ensure that we pave a path that benefits all citizens”.
He said further that “the establishment of this Ad-Hoc Committee is not only timely and necessary; it is formed in recognition of our responsibility to the people as stipulated pursuant to the provisions of Section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Order 20 Rule 7 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives which empowers the National Assembly to conduct investigations and inquiries into the conduct of affairs of government ministries, departments, and agencies.
“As our constitutional duty of oversight, we owe it to Nigerians to ensure that the reforms intended to enhance service delivery, increase capacity, and improve infrastructure are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented and yielding the desired results.
“Therefore, we must ask ourselves: Have these reforms fulfilled their promises? Have they led to the expected improvements in service delivery? And most importantly, have they been executed with integrity and in the best interest of our citizens?
‘As we embark on this important journey, I urge all members of the committee to approach their duties with diligence, openness, and a commitment to the truth. Your work will be crucial in shaping the future of our power sector and, by extension, the policy formulation of the sector. I encourage you to engage with stakeholders, listen to the voices of the people, and be fearless in your pursuit of the truth.
“In a broader context, it will be admirable if the outcome of this exercise spurs reliable and modern energy recommendations in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 as the world is moving toward sustainable energy solutions. Our investigation should consider not only the historical context but also the future we envision for our power sector—one that is sustainable, innovative, and inclusive.”
Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu said the task before the committee is to conduct an Audit and Investigate Nigeria’s Power Sector Reforms and Expenditure from 2007 to 2024, assuring that they critically examine investments in the sector that has profound implications for our nation’s development.
He said “the journey of Nigeria’s power sector over the last two decades has been marked by ambitious goals, substantial investments, and, unfortunately, persistent challenges. The reforms introduced were intended to revitalize our energy landscape, spur economic growth, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“However, the reality on the ground tells a more complex story—one that requires thorough investigation and honest reflection.
Our mandate is clear: to conduct a comprehensive audit and investigation into the power sector’s reforms and expenditures during the period of 2007 to 2024, in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which empower the National Assembly to investigate the conduct of public officers, agencies, and institutions entrusted with public funds, and to expose inefficiency, waste, or corruption in governance.
“We aim to trace the flow of funds, assess the implementation of policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of projects and initiatives undertaken during this period. This will not only illuminate areas of success but also identify and address systemic failures and inefficiencies that have hampered our progress.
“The task ahead of us is immense, and it necessitates a collaborative approach. We are committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, civil society, and the Nigerian public at large.
“Transparency, objectivity, and diligence will be the cornerstones of our proceedings.
As we embark on this investigative hearing, let us be guided by an unwavering commitment to the truth. Our objective is not merely to identify problems but to propose actionable solutions that can drive genuine and sustainable improvements in our power sector.
“It is essential that we build a robust framework that safeguards public resources and delivers on the promises of improved power supply for every Nigerian”.
POLITICS
APC e-Registration Intensifies in Enugu as Nomeh Ward Flags off Exercise
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
Residents and political leaders of Nomeh Unateze Ward in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have intensified the All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic membership registration exercise in the state.
The people also used the opportunity to endorse the party as their rallying point come 2027, throwing their full weight behind President Bola Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah and all candidates of the APC in the forthcoming general election.
They made their stand known during the official flag-off of the APC electronic membership registration exercise in the ward, which turned into a rally of appreciation for the governor’s projects in the area and a declaration of loyalty to the APC.
Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant on Media (External Relations) to the Governor, Uche Anichukwu, said the massive turnout was a clear sign that the people were satisfied with the performance of the Enugu State Government and its alignment with the APC.
“The large turnout we witnessed here today clearly shows that the people of Nomeh Unateze are extremely happy with the Governor of Enugu State. It also shows that the people of Nomeh Unateze are happy with the APC. You could see the excitement. It was quite organic; it wasn’t manufactured,” Anichukwu said.
He pointed to several ongoing and completed projects in the community as the reason for the growing support for Mbah, President Bola Tinubu, and the APC.
“If you look up there, you would see the magnificent Smart Green School, completed and standing here in Nomeh Unateze, and as you drive down the road, you would see the Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centre. There is also the ongoing Nomeh–Mburubu–Nara Road and, of course, the Nomeh–Oduma Road under construction. The governor is also promising many other projects.
“After seeing these things, nobody should be surprised that our people are excited to join the APC. In fact, I got a lot of calls that we should send more people because they want more hands to help register them,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Nkanu East Local Government Council, Rev. Felix Okoye, reminded the people that registering with the APC and obtaining their voter’s cards were the only ways of guaranteeing the continued execution of the numerous projects of the Mbah administration in Nomeh community and Enugu State.
He recalled that Mbah had revived or completed several abandoned projects in the state.
The Ward Councilor, Hon. Jonathan Orji, thanked the people for the overwhelming acceptance of the APC as the new political train in the state under Mbah’s leadership.
Chairman of APC in Nomeh Ward, Fidelis Mbah, said the e-registration in the ward, which used to be a Peoples Democratic Party enclave, marked the consolidation of the state’s recent political shift to the centre and APC.
“So, today is the official flag-off of APC membership registration in Nomeh Ward. We promised that wherever he goes, we will also go with him because of the great job he is doing. The turnout speaks volumes, but it is nothing compared to what you will see here on Election Day,” he declared.
APC Woman Leader in the ward, Victoria Ubah, said women in the community had unanimously decided to support the APC because of the governor’s development projects.
“The governor has done so much for us. He built a hospital for us, he built a Smart School for us, he is building roads and bridges for us, and he is helping the poor and the farmers. All the women in this community have decided to register with the APC, and we will vote for Mbah in 2027,” she said.
A member of the APC executive in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Nkechi Okafor, said the community had already made up its mind.
“Mbah has done a lot for the Nomeh people. You could see the projects yourselves. Because of that, you could also see nearly a thousand people here. We are all APC from the day Dr. Peter Mbah led us into the party. So, we are very happy. There is no vacancy, and it is APC all the way,” she declared.
POLITICS
NNPP disowns planned protests against INEC
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has disassociated itself from a plan protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled for Tuesday.
National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson in a statement in Abuja on Monday said the attention of the party was drawn to reports of plan by NNPP to stage a protest at INEC head office in Abuja as well as across states of the Federation.
”The NNPP wishes to use this medium to dissociate the party from the illegal demonstration called by an illegal body claiming to be speaking on behalf of the NNPP,” he said.
Johnson said that those behind the illegal protest were not members of the party as established by the Federal High Court in Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/1354/2024 of April 18, 2024.
He said that Justice Emeka Nwite in the suit affirmed that they had ceased to be members of the party following their expulsion by the appropriate organs of the party.
”Up till today, they have not appealed the judgment, but instead, engaging in forum shopping looking for orders that have no foundations in law.
”As it is their trademark, they go to the courts hiding the facts of the matter, and once the courts hear the correct story, they discard them like pack of cards.
”NNPP wishes to reiterate that it is not involved in any protest slated for Tuesday, and state categorically that the persons behind the protest are impostors,” he said.
Johnson therefore called on NNPP members to remain calm even in the face of provocations by elements aimed at distracting the party from its stated objectives. (NAN)
POLITICS
Nasarawa Lawmaker Donates Cash, Awards Scholarships, Others to Constituents
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Member representing Keffi West Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana, popularly known as Baba Ali and Wakilin Yamman Keffi, has demonstrated people-centred leadership, tagged: as a “Legacy of human capital development”.
The initiative aimed at empowering the constituents, promoting education, economic independence and youth development, the lawmaker donated a cash of N27 million , 58 motorcycles, 20 sewing machines, and fully funded university scholarships to 26 students to cover full course of their study at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) with over total cost amount of N90 million.
The empowerment programme, unveiled over the weekend at the Emir’s Palace in Keffi, attracted traditional leaders, political office holders, community members and beneficiaries from the five electoral wards represented, and across Keffi Local Government Area.
In recognising Hon. Nana efforts, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, lauded the lawmaker’s foresight for designing such an impactful programme that not only addresses immediate community needs but also establishes a foundation for long-term, sustainable development.
The governor urged the people and beneficiaries to be law-abiding citizens and actively support the All Progressives Congress (APC) led-administration for better representation and democratic values. He emphasized the importance of the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise, he stressed that the initiative is crucial for the party’s organisational strength and future electoral success.
He further explained that the e-registration exercise is to ensure every eligible resident becomes a registered member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to strengthen the party’s grassroots network across Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large. “Don’t hesitate to have your APC membership card” he advised.
Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana (Baba Ali) expressed his deepest appreciation to the people of Keffi West for the trust and mandate bestowed upon him to represent them at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. He described the opportunity to serve as a privilege and reaffirmed his continued commitment to delivering dividends of democracy that will genuinely improve the lives of the Constituents.
According to the lawmaker, his representation is firmly anchored on development, empowerment and inclusive growth, stressing that leadership must be measured by impact rather than words. He noted that every initiative undertaken by him since assuming office has been driven by the desire to reduce hardship, expand opportunities and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the constituency.
“As a representative entrusted with this mandate, I remain committed to sustaining meaningful development and empowerment programmes that will directly touch the lives of our people across Keffi West,” he stated.

Hon. Nana emphasized that education remains the backbone of societal progress and the surest path to producing responsible leaders and skilled professionals.
He encouraged the scholarship beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, reminding them that education equips individuals with the knowledge and discipline required to contribute positively to the society.
The lawmaker noted that he remains the first as house member to initiate such a comprehensive scholarship programme that supported students from entry level through graduation at the university, in Keffi LGA. “Education is the bedrock of every success. When we invest in education, we are investing in the future of our communities and our state,” he added.
Hon. Nana explained that empowering citizens with tools and resources is a practical way to reduce unemployment, curb social vices and stimulate local economic growth.
He urged beneficiaries to use the items judiciously, expand to their businesses and, in turn, empower others within their communities. “When we began this journey, we promised representation anchored on impact. Today, by Allah’s grace and with your support, we are witnessing that promise translate into reality,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of Keffi Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Idris Ahmad Damagani, also addressed the gathering, where he openly commended Hon. Nana for what he described as a historic and people-driven empowerment initiative. He praised the lawmaker for setting a standard of responsive and accountable representation within Nasarawa State.
Hon. Dr. Damagani urged the beneficiaries and residents of Keffi Local Government to continue supporting leaders who prioritise results over rhetoric. He emphasized that development-oriented leaders like Hon. Nana are assets that must be encouraged and retained for the sustained progress of Keffi and the state at large.
“We cannot afford to lose a representative like Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana. Leadership should be about results, not mere promises,” he stated.
Lastly, the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the lawmaker for his generosity and dedication to community development, they described the support as genuine love for humanity and life-changer.
The beneficiaries collectively offered prayers for Hon. Nana’s continued success and assured him of their support in the 2027 electoral cycle. “We are deeply grateful for your developmental support. We assure you of our total support come 2027, and we pray that Almighty Allah rewards you abundantly,” they said.

