News
Son of Slain Sokoto Emir Identifies Lawmaker Who Hired Bandits To Abduct and Murder His Father
Following the abduction and murder of Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, the late Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District, his son has alleged that a sitting member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza, was involved in the plot.
According to the son, the bandits who abducted and killed his father revealed that Boza provided them with crucial information and paid them N5 million to carry out the kidnapping.
In a video, the son of the late Bawa is seen lying on a sickbed while receiving treatment, recounting the details of the confession by the bandits.
“The bandits said in front of me that Aminu Boza was the one who gave them the guns to kidnap us,” he said. “They were given the weapons during the campaign period, and they told my father that they did not know him from anywhere but were paid N5 million to kidnap him.”
Reacting in a viral audio, Boza denied any involvement in criminal activities or association with the bandits.
Instead, he vowed to continue fighting against banditry.
“I am declaring to the whole world that these allegations will never discourage me from fighting against banditry,” he said.
He said further, “As I have always said, we need to unite and eliminate these bandits to achieve lasting peace.
“Until now, I have consistently urged the government not to negotiate with them. These bandits are criminals and cannot be trusted. I understand that fighting the bandits will not be easy, but if it costs my life, I will be content knowing I did everything to satisfy my conscience.”
“I would be proud to die fighting the bandits if it means we can rid our community of them and restore peace,” he added.
News
Access Bank (UK) Limited to Acquire AfrAsia Bank Limited
News
FEC approves ₦47.9tn 2025 budget
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a proposed national budget of ₦47.9 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
This was part of the Medium-Term Expenditures Framework, MTEF, for 2025 to 2027 and in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007.
“And equally, the fiscal objectives were conservative, because we want to ensure that we study the course much as we believe the projections will be exceeded.
“The budget size that was approved for presentation to the National Assembly in the MTEP is ₦47.9 trillion, with new borrowings of ₦9.2 trillion to finance the budget deficit in 2025,” Bagudu said.
“We need to sustain the market deregulation, commendable market deregulation of petroleum prices and exchange rate, and to compel the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to lower its oil and gas production cost significantly, and even to consider the need to amend the relevant sections of the petroleum industry act 2021 to address the significant risk to Federation.
“The Federal Executive Council approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the physical strategy paper, and it will be submitted to the National Assembly.
“This is in addition to bills that are already at the National Assembly, the economic stabilization bills and tax reform bills, which we believe we will have a very, very strong growth in 2025.”
During the meeting, the FEC approved its submission to the National Assembly as required by the 2007 Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The framework projected a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6 percent, an exchange rate of $75 to the naira, and oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day. [Channels TV]
News
Nigeria to get 6,000 power generation by December-Power Minister vows
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed his unwavering optimism that the government will successfully meet its ambitious target of generating 6,000 megawatts of electricity by December 2024, despite the numerous challenges currently affecting the power sector.
The Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, conveyed this assurance at the fourth edition of the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria’s annual workshop, themed “Ending the Talk, Moving the Action,” held on Thursday in Abuja.
Nigeria’s power generation currently ranges between 3,500 and 4,000 MW for a population of approximately 200 million people. For instance, on Thursday, the country’s power generation was 3,556.38 MW as of 8 am.
Earlier this year, Adelabu pledged that power generation in Nigeria would reach 6,000 MW by the end of the year, citing improvements in the sector over the past year.
However, the frequent collapse of the nation’s electricity grid and the vandalisation of towers have raised concerns about the stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and its ability to achieve the target.
In his goodwill address, the Special Adviser emphasised that the minister’s primary focus remains on achieving the goal of increasing generation and ensuring its efficient distribution to consumers.
Tunji said, “The minister aims to achieve what seems to be an intractable goal—improving generation and ensuring that what is generated reaches the final consumers. There are challenges, but they are surmountable.
“The minister has promised that by December this year, we will reach 6,000 megawatts; yes, we still hope to get there.
“We are confident that we will get there, but we are aware of the current issues with grid collapse. Efforts are being made to resolve these problems. Day and night, teams are being dispatched to address the various issues, and we remain hopeful that we will achieve the 6,000 MW target by December.”
The Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, also reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring 24-hour power supply for Nigerians.
Owolabi, another representative of the minister, stressed that the government’s policies are focused on resolving the challenges facing the country’s electricity transmission, distribution, and generation sub-sectors.
“We are fully committed to transforming the country’s power sector. We are focused on ensuring that our policies are practical and sustainable. We are resolute in ensuring power supply for every Nigerian.
“The government remains fully committed to transforming Nigeria’s power sector through meaningful and actionable reforms.
“We are focused on ensuring that our policies are not only visionary but also practical, impactful, and sustainable. From the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks, to vital reforms in distribution and the full implementation of the electricity market, we are resolute in our mission to improve power supply for every Nigerian.”
-
News19 hours ago
Trump picks ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as US Intel Chief
-
News19 hours ago
NNPC Carries Out Leadership Shakeup, Appoints Adedapo Segun As New CFO
-
News19 hours ago
JUST IN: Govt Declares Friday As Public Holiday
-
News18 hours ago
Abia Assembly orders Deputy Governor, Emetu to apologise over assault on House member
-
News18 hours ago
Umahi Frowns At Slow Pace Of Suleja-Minna Road Construction
-
News18 hours ago
NYSC announces date for ‘2024 Batch C’ registration
-
News18 hours ago
NNPC, Dangote Sign GSPA Agreement To Boost Local Production, Revamp Industrial Growth
-
News14 hours ago
Mikel Obi explains how Kai Havertz dishonoured Chelsea fans