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Edo :Stop indiscriminate arrest of PDP members, INEC recognised observer organisations caution IGP, DSS
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), a coalition of INEC Accredited Observer Organizations have condemned the recent arrest of members of the PDP in Edo State.
The coalition in a statement issued and signed by the Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu and made available to media organisations stated that:
“Our coalition is deeply concerned about recent reports by our election observers of unlawful arrests and detention of members belonging to the ruling political partys in Edo State.
“These actions are perceived as an unethical tactic aimed at weakening the ruling party and stifling their ability to participate in the forthcoming Governorship Election scheduled for the 21st of September, 2024.
“As INEC Accredited Observer Organizations, it is our duty to advocate for credible, transparent, and free elections, where all citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear or coercion.
“It is in this regard that we are urgently notifying the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, as well as the heads of the Department of State Security Services, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Military to intervene promptly and ensure that their personnel in Edo State comply with ethical standards and respect the fundamental human rights of all individuals.
“It is essential that the IGP Kayode Egbetokun, as the highest-ranking police officer in Nigeria, takes decisive action to release all persons unlawfully arrested and detained in Edo State.
“These actions are not only contrary to the principles of democracy but also a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights. We strongly urge the IGP to immediately direct the release of these individuals and ensure that such actions cease forthwith.
“Furthermore, it is imperative that all security agencies, including the police, Department of State Security Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Military, embrace the rule of engagement in line with global best practices and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This is crucial for upholding the credibility of the electoral process and ensuring the preservation of peace and stability in Edo State.
“The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness reiterates its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in all electoral processes.
“We call upon all relevant authorities to address this urgent matter, providing a level playing field for all political parties and citizens to exercise their democratic rights devoid of intimidation or harassment.
We remain optimistic that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and other heads of security agencies will take swift actions to address this concern and uphold the values of a credible election in Edo State.
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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]
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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.”
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