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Epileptic power Supply: Restore normal electricity or quit Nasarawa — Assembly orders AEDC
…Issues 14days ultimatum, drill AEDC MD for over 4 hours
Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Tuesday issued the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company AEDC 14 days ultimatum to restore normal electricity to communities across the State or quit immediately for serious company to take over
This, the House said is to enable the people of the State enjoy full power supply and enhance business activities.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau stated this when Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA), appeared before the House during its proceedings in Lafia.
The Speaker said that the invitation extended to the AEDC and NAePA was to enable the agencies brief the House on the power situation that has resulted in what they lawmakers described as blackout and outrageous bills in the state.
“Our resolutions is to the effect that AEDC is hereby given 14 days to restore normal light to communities across the State and failure to do so will leave us with no option than to ask you to quit and we will invite competent hands that will give the people of the state normal light
” Secondly, the Area Manager Power Gen Interconnected Energy LTD handling electrification project in Toto Local Government is hereby directed to appear before the House on May 21st, 2024 to explain their role in power distribution in the area and they should come with documents that clear them on their engagement ”
” There is power black out and outrageous bills across the State by AEDC as our people are in pains and suffering, we cannot take it”
The Lawmakers who were unanimous in their decision, noted with regret how the activities of the AEDC is creating hardship and poverty to the people of the State.
“Your company is giving our people poor services. our people have been sleeping in darkness.Our people are in pains because they are paying for light not enjoyed the light”
All the lawmaker who spoke lamented bitterly and stressed the need for AEDC to sit up in their responsibilities or quit the State to enable government engage more competent hand that will deliver.
After series of questions, Engr. Adeyemi Jonathan Kehinde, the AEDC Chief Business Officer incharge of Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa admitted that the company is not 100 per cent in replacing damaged transformers, cables among others to communities across the state.
He added that out of the 28,000 customers in the State only 8,000 has meters pleading for little time to change things for the better especially that he is a new man in the State.
The Chief Business Officer assured of improvement in electricity supply to the State.
” I want to assure you that we are ready to do our best in improving in power supply across the state,” he said.
On his part, Engr. Yakubu Suleiman Umar, the General Manager, Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA) said that the agency was established to ensure effective power supply to communities across the State noting that they are doing their best to deliver on their mandate.
On allegations that he use a personal transformer that powered his house 24 hours without others benefitting where he is residing, he said that the transformer was given to him as gratification by one electricity company, the statement that does not go down well with the lawmakers and the GM immediately tendered his apology.
The General Manager assured of his continued determination to do his best to improve on the situation.
It would be recalled that on April 23, 2024, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has summoned the Area Manager, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to appear before the House on April 30, over persistent power blackout and over billing of customers across the State.
The House also summoned the General Manager, Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA), Engr. Yakubu Suleiman to appear before the House on April 30.
This, the House said, the invitation extended to them was to enable them tell the House why is it that there is persistent power blackout and outrageous billing in the State.
Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the House gave the summon after Hon. Solomon Akwashiki (SDP- Lafia Central) raised the issue on the matter of public importance during the House proceedings.
In a related development, the House has passed into first reading A Bill for a Law to Amend the Nasarawa State Agency for Youth Empowerment Scheme ( NAYES) and For Other Matters Connected Thereto which was sponsored by Hon Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central constituency.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, slated May 21st, 2024 for the second reading of the bill.
Furthermore, the House has passed into first reading A Bill for a Law to Establish the State Security Trust Fund in Nasarawa State and for Other Matters Connected Therewith moved by Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Danladi Jatau slated May 22nd, 2024 for the second reading of the bill
Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House moved motions for the two bills to scale first reading which were seconded by Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House
The House unanimously passed the two bills into first reading.
…eulogizes late Onanuga, ex-speaker Bankole’s mother
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, has described the late Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, as an irreplaceable parliamentarian known for her vocal nature and friendly disposition.
Leading a delegation on behalf of the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Kalu visited Sagamu, Ogun State, on a condolence mission to the late Onanuga’s family.
Addressing the bereaved, he praised her dedication and influence, noting her unique presence in plenary sessions and unwavering support for her colleagues.
Kalu consoled her mother, Chief Mrs. Comfort Folashade Etutu, and her children, urging them to trust in God for comfort and strength. He assured the family of the House’s continued support and prayed against further untimely deaths in the household.
Earlier, Kalu led the delegation to Abeokuta for the fidau prayers of the late Mrs. Monsurat Atinuke Bankole, mother of former House Speaker Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole.
He lauded her sacrifices, which contributed to the success of her children, including the former Speaker’s contributions to the National Assembly.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the proposed 2025 budget as grossly insufficient to address Nigeria’s growing road infrastructure needs.
Umahi stated this during the 2025 budget defence session held on Friday by the House Committee on Works, chaired by Rep. Akin Alabi.
Speaking candidly, Umahi called for an upward review of the ministry’s budgetary allocation, stressing that the current figure would barely make a dent in the nation’s road development agenda.
“We plead with you to help us. N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, and so we plead with you to help us,” the Minister told the lawmakers.
Umahi who emphasised the importance of adequate funding to complete ongoing projects and initiate critical new ones across the country, also stressed that borrowing was a necessary step to bridge the infrastructure gap and stimulate economic growth.
The Minister underscored the potential economic impact of infrastructure development, stating that it would create jobs and boost local economies.
“When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession. Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities, and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past,” he explained.
“Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel workers, and others will benefit. Support Mr. President, and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so Nigeria can be great again,” he added.
In response, Chairman of the Committee, assured Umahi that the committee would summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to clarify the rationale behind the ministry’s limited allocation.
The session also provided an opportunity for the Minister to address lawmakers’ concerns about the state of roads nationwide, with assurances that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects.
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Interior has suspended the budget defence of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) following significant discrepancies in the agency’s 2024 budget performance and 2025 proposal.
At a hearing chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and his counterpart from the House, Chaired by Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, lawmakers flagged irregularities, including contradictory figures and inadequate documentation.
The committee uncovered discrepancies in the procurement of firefighting trucks, with similar units priced at N1.5 billion in one instance and N2.5 billion in another, despite being from the same supplier and of identical specifications.
The FFS Controller General, Jaji Abdulganiyu Idris, attributed the difference to variations in tanker sizes but failed to provide adequate supporting documentation.
Senator Oshiomhole criticized the inconsistencies, stating, “This reeks of over-padding or over-invoicing. Your written submission does not align with your explanation, and we cannot overlook this.”
Lawmakers also raised concerns about unclear contract commitments and an outstanding payment of N603 billion for ongoing projects, which lacked proper specifications.
Oshiomhole emphasized fiscal responsibility, saying, “Every N10 wasted by MDAs adds up. Our duty is to ensure that every naira benefits Nigerians, especially the poor.”
The committee further queried the FFS over unverified revenue remittances. Idris presented manual receipts as evidence, but the lawmakers rejected them, demanding proper bank statements and confirmation from the Accountant-General’s office.
As a result, the committee stepped down the FFS budget defence, instructing the agency to rectify its submission. Oshiomhole warned, “Submit a revised presentation with accurate figures, or risk zero allocation in 2025.”
The decision underscores the lawmakers’ commitment to accountability and efficient use of public funds, urging the FFS to address the issues promptly to secure its funding.
Kalu Leads House Delegation to Ogun for Condolence Visit
N800bn Inadequate for Nigeria’s Road Projects, Minister Umahi Tell Lawmakers
NASS Joint Committee Suspends Fire Service Budget Over Irregularities
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