News

Reps Launches Probe into Allegations Against USAID

Published

1 day ago

February 20, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…urge media, citizens to remain vigilant, share information

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has established a Special Committee to investigate allegations made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry.

The House has also directed its Committees on National Security, Intelligence, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Inter-Governmental Affairs to examine the operations of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Nigeria. This includes verifying their identities, sources of funding, and financial activities.

The House has also urged the Federal Government to engage with the U.S. Government through the Foreign Affairs Committee for a formal clarification on the matter.

Lawmakers called on the media and public to remain vigilant and share relevant information that could aid security agencies in countering terrorism.

These resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Inuwa Garba regarding the need to investigate Perry’s claim that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allegedly funded Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

During the debate, the House expressed concern over Perry’s statements during the inaugural hearing of the U.S. Sub-Committee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, where he alleged that $697 million was spent annually on activities linked to terrorist organizations.

Rep. Garba highlighted that many Nigerians have raised concerns over certain NGOs operating in Northern Nigeria, particularly in areas where military presence is limited.

He said: “Believes that with Boko Haram’s dominant presence in Northern Nigeria, it is safe to assume that it (Boko Haram) had significantly benefitted from this funding as alleged by Scott Perry.

“Further Notes that the allegation, if true, raises serious national and international security concerns and questions about external influences on Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, which has led to significant loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of over one million citizens over the years.

“Aware that Nigeria has been battling insurgency and terrorism for over a decade, with the government committing enormous resources to counterterroris operations while also seeking international cooperation to curb the menace”.

The lawmaker expressed fears that if left uninvestigated, such an allegation could threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty, weaken national security efforts, and erode public trust in the fight against terrorism.

“Worried that failure to unearth the truth behind this weighty claim could embolden criminal and terrorist elements, further exacerbating the insecurity challenges confronting the country”, the motion read.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated the House Committees on Legislative Compliance, National Security and Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Defence to ensure compliance and report back to plenary in four weeks for further legislative action.

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TCN envisages seven-hour blackout in parts of Abuja

Published

2 hours ago

February 21, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says there will be a seven-hour power outage in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the affected areas will experience blackout on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.

She attributed the action to scheduled annual preventive maintenance on two transformers.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria informs the public that its maintenance crew will conduct annual preventive maintenance on the 2x100MVA, TR3 & TR4 transformers at the Apo 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Abuja,” the statement read.

“The planned power interruptions are unavoidable, as Abuja DisCo will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the transformers during the maintenance period. Power supply will be restored to the affected areas upon completion of the maintenance exercise.”

Transmission Line Tower – TCN

Mbah explained that on Saturday, February 22, the power disruptions will affect the National Hospital, G2 Injection Station, Garki, Area 1, and Asokoro for seven hours.

According to the statement, areas including Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo Resettlement, Gudu, Apo Mechanic, and surrounding areas will also experience a seven-hour power outage.

Mbah explained that the interruption is necessary as Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the affected transformers during the maintenance period.

TCN apologised for any inconvenience caused to the affected customers during this time.

“Power supply will be restored once the maintenance exercise is completed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause the affected electricity customers,” the company said.

News

Breaking: PSC Elevates Over 100 Top Officers To Higher Ranks

Published

2 hours ago

February 21, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of over 100 senior officers to higher ranks within the force.

The decision includes the elevation of 38 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners, alongside 100 Chief Superintendents of Police.

The approval was confirmed in a statement by the PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, following an extraordinary plenary session held on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

The meeting was chaired by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), and attended by key officials, including retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani.

Notable officers promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police include Emmanuel Deenom, Olufemi Takeet, and Yusuf Doki Sani, while others like Ibrahim Mohammed Agava and Akinloye Joseph Oyegade were promoted to Assistant Commissioners.

News

Accident: Lokoja varsity shut down indefinitely over continuous protect

Published

3 hours ago

February 21, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal University Lokoja has been shut down following students’ lingering protest.

The students began the protest on Monday following the killings of their colleagues by a trailer who rammed into the school shuttle bus, killing seven people instantly.

The closure of the school was disclosed in a circular with Ref. Number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03 issued on Thursday by Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, Registrar and Secretary to Council, and copied Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command Director, DSS Kogi State.

The circular reads “Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17 February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.

“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor after due consultation with Management, has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down Indefinitely within one hour of release of this circular.

“Students are therefore to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon today, Thursday, 20th February, 2025. Please note for strict compliance.”