The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Residents storm Eko Disco office over blackout

    Residents storm Eko Disco office over blackout

    FOR the second time in three weeks, some residents of Ilasamaja near Mushin, Lagos, have stormed the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) office, protesting against what they termed “in human treatment”.

    The protesters, who reside in Igbehin Community in Ilasamaja, have been without light for four weeks.

    They blocked the gate of EKEDC Mushin Business Unit at Five Star Bus Stop on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, demanding restoration of their light.

    Many of the protesters, who gathered as early as 7am, lamented the power outage in the community for the past one month.

    The protest took off from the community chief’s palace.

    The protesters blocked the road when security refused to open the firm’s gate, causing heavy traffic.

    Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives ensured orderliness.

    The inscriptions on their placards read: “Bring back our light,” “No more crazy bills” and “Give us prepaid meter.”

    After a two-hour protest, the community’s representatives were allowed into the premises for a meeting with EKEDC’s officials.

    During the meeting, an officer from Mushin Police Station, Zone D,’ reportedly slapped an expectant mum, Mrs Esther Amudike, who was among the protesters outside. It all happened while she was trying to explain to our reporter how lack of electricity has affected her business.

    The officer had earlier threatened to shoot the protesters, cocking his gun to scare them.

    It took the intervention of Zone ‘D’ Divisional Police Officer and some NSCDC officers to calm the protesters.

    Mrs Amudike said: “I trade in frozen foods and I have two deep freezers in my shop. I was shocked when I received N70,000 bill. They have been exploiting me and I don’t make up to that amount monthly.  It is really unfair. We cater for our families through different means. I am fed up. Justice should be done.”

    One of the protest champions Mr Dauda Adelakun said the frequent power outage is fuelling crime and rape in the community.

    Another resident, Mrs Bukola Osayemi, said she was shocked to meet N37, 000 bill on her return from trip.

    She said: “I travelled since April, when I came back in August, I met the bill and I have not been at home. I paid N20, 000 out of the money and three days after, they brought another N17, 000 bill for the month of July. I kept wondering if they missed the house number because I made sure I put off my appliances before I travelled.”

    A trader, Olabisi Akpan, who lamented the economic effect of the power outage on her business, said: “We have nine shops and we were billed N80, 000 last month, when we went to their office, they exploited us. It has affected my business, we need a positive change.”

    A trader, Mrs Sarat Owolabi, said they were being exploited with the high bills.

     She said: “We are yet to reach a compromise. I have lost count of the number of meetings we’ve had. We were asked to come September 18 but when we got there, the meeting was postponed till September 23. It is so sad. We celebrated the last Sallah in darkness.”

    Ahmad Yusuf, who occupies a two-bedroom flat, said the bill was too outrageous.

     “How can they say they are reading our metres when we don’t have one metre on our street let alone in my flat? Whenever I complained of the bill in their office, they tell me it will be reduced the following month but I must pay N5, 000. They know what they are up to. They know what they want to achieve. We have been requesting for prepaid metres but we are yet to get. Our neighbouring streets have been given. What is our offence?  Imagine a shop paying N18, 000 monthly when it is not a bakery. We were here last week, thinking we could plead with them to restore our light for the Sallah celebration, the official we met said it was his birthday and he wasn’t ready for work. This is too much; we can’t bear it anymore. We want the government to rescue us,” Yusuf said.

    Chairman, Igbehin Landlord Association, Elder Fagbohun said: “The crazy bill is frustrating. Our light was disconnected for more than two weeks and the officials insisted we paid all charges before the light was restored. We have been blackmailed that we came with ammunition but it is not true. We only came with pen and paper.”

    Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the community’s Baale, Chief AbdulRasheed Asheni-Irokosu, said EKEDC promised to restore light.

    Chief Asheni-Irokosu said another meeting has been fixed for October 5, at the EKEDC Marina Headquarters on the exorbitant tariff.

    He thanked residents for their peaceful conduct.

     “They will still bring bills but not outrageous ones. If they don’t, we will mobilise all our residents to their office again. EKEDC officials should be well trained because within the little period, we have been treated with utmost disrespect. They should know they can’t be there without us,” he said.

  • Hajj stampede: Lagos Muslim council mourns

    Hajj stampede: Lagos Muslim council mourns

    The Muslim Community of Lagos State has commiserated with Muslims worldwide on the Hajj tragedy.

    In a statement, its President, Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, prayed Allah to forgive the departed, grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus and grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Gbadamosi said: “Our condolence goes to the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, affected states, Islamic organisations and individuals who lost their loved ones.

    “Our special condolence also goes to the authorities of Saudi Arabia who have been trying their best possible to ensure the smooth running of the Hajj exercise and maintain the sanctity of the Holy Mosques. We sympathise with them on these unfortunate incidents.

    “On our part, we urge all mosques to offer a special prayer at Jumat Service today for the deceased, the quick recovery of the injured and for the safe arrival of the remaining pilgrims.

    “As Muslims, we accept that these events happened by Allah’s decree. However, we urge all those in charge of Hajj operations to institute measures to prevent future occurrence of these sad events.”

  • ‘We lost a member in Hajj stampede’

    ‘We lost a member in Hajj stampede’

    ANSAR-UD-DEEN Society of Nigeria yesterday condoled with the family of a member, Imam Rasheed Quadri, who died in the September 24 Hajj stampede.

    A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muibi Adebanjo, said the deceased was an interpreter at the late Iya-Alaso-Oke Mosque.

    Alhaji Adebanjo also disclosed that two of their members are still missing.

    “I pray we find them so that they can re-unite with their families. May Allah grant those who lost their lives Al-Jannah and grant those hospitalised quick recovery.”

    He described the incident as pathetic, enjoining the Saudi Arabia authorities to do thorough investigations to avoid future occurrence.

    The society plans special prayer nationwide on Sunday for the victims.

  • No rivalry in NURTW, says chair

    No rivalry in NURTW, says chair

    NATIONAL Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has called on the police to fish out the killers of an aide of one of its leaders.

    Olayinka Mamowora, personal assistant to Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo, treasurer of Lagos NURTW, was killed on Wednesday night in a barber shop at Oshodi.

    Lagos NURTW chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede said yesterday that there is no division within the union despite Mamowora’s death.

    He said the late Mamowora was not a member of the union, adding that NURTW members relate with one another as brothers.

    Sympathising with the bereaved family, Agbede charged security agencies, particularly the police to bring the killers to book.

    Members of the union, he said, would assist security agents in their investigation, if he called upon to do so.

    He advised union members to be calm and law abiding.

    “I want you to be law-abiding and steer clear of acts inimical to the good of the society. Please, always maintain peace and order,” he said.

  • 10,000 rendered homeless in Ijora, group alleges

    Over 10,000 people were rendered homeless when part of Ijora Badia, a Lagos slum community, was demolished last week.

    A coalition of civil society groups, Friends of Badia East, condemned the forcible eviction of residents.

    The group said the exercise was initiated by the Ojora Chieftaincy Family, under the supervision of Lagos State Government officials and the police. Scores of women and children, it said, were now under the rain.

    It decried the demolition, saying houses were pulled down during rainy season without adequate notice.

    According to the group, the demolition which started on September 18 left the residents under the torrential rains of the Sallah holiday.

    “The forced eviction started on September 18-19 and continued again on 22 September, moving from Badia East towards Badia West, displacing more than 10,000 people.

    “Based on the lack of adequate notice, the failure to identify and consult with the persons to be affected, and the total disregard for persons who are left homeless without alternative as a result of the ongoing demolition, we consider the demolitions to be a forced eviction and, as such, a grave violation of human rights law and statutory provisions in force in Nigeria.

    “We note that, without the requisite protections in place, even an eviction carried out in accordance with a judicial decision can amount to a forced eviction, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN Habitat, among others,” the group said.

  • 33 suspected vandals held with 330,000 litres of fuel

    33 suspected vandals held with 330,000 litres of fuel

    The Police have arrested 33 suspected vandals and recovered 330,000 litres of fuel from them.

    The fuel, loaded in 10 trucks, was siphoned from National Petroleum Corporation (NNDC) pipelines.

    Commander of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on pipeline vandalism, Valentine Olumese, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), while handing over the products to NNPC officials, said the arrest and recoveries were made in the last two months in different parts of the country.

    Olumese said the task force would adopt advance and effective techniques in stopping pipeline vandalism without attendant loss of life.

     He said:  “This strategy is paying off immensely and it is aimed at discouraging the vandals. The number of arrest and recoveries made so far, with no bloody confrontation with the vandals has shown that we are winning the war. I want to assure members of the public that we are not going to relent in our efforts, and we will also ensure that those arrested are prosecuted.  As I speak, all the suspects have been arraigned in court and they have been remanded in prison custody. “

    Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) Public Relations Officer Imodagde Nasir, who confirmed receipt of the products, said returning of such products was an ongoing process between NNPC and the security agencies.

    Nasir said the recovered products would be returned to the system for decanting, adding that they have received over 80,000 litres and “we are expecting more”.

     “This is not the first time we are receiving stolen petroleum products from security agencies. A few months ago, the Nigerian Navy made huge recoveries from Majidun in Ikorodu and they handed over the products to us and we had them returned into the system for decanting. We all have a collective role to play in the fight against pipeline vandalism.  The act of vandalism has an enormous ecological effect on our society. Every Nigerian must see it as a duty to protect his environment by assisting the security agents in fighting pipeline vandalism,” he said.

  • ‘We will no longer tolerate street trading’

    Ikorodu Local Government Executive Secretary, Wasiu Adesina has warned traders to stay off the streets.

    Adesina said the council would no longer tolerate street trading and illegal parking of vehicles.

    He spoke while inaugurating a 10-man Task Force on street trading and illegal parking in the secretariat, Ikorodu.

    The council chief said no meaningful development would take place in a society of lawlessness, chaos and disorderliness.

    “It is only with orderliness, sanity and decorum that any society can move forward economically and socially,” he said.

    He said it is the duty of the government to protect citizens.

    The members of the committee include Neighbourhood Watch Lagos State Coordinator, Alhaji Kola Sanni as chairman, Divisional Police Officer Igbogbo Police Station, Mr Remi Adesoye, the Coordinator, Onyabo Security Organisation, Chief Kamorudeen Bombata and the Iyaloja-General, Ikorodu local government, Alhaja Taofeekat Allyson.

    Others are the Serikin-Hausa in Ikorodu, the Eze Ndi-Ngbo of Ikorodu, Mr Tunji Owolabi, a journalist with Radio Lagos, among others.

    Alhaji Saani said there would not be any form of nepotism, favouritism or undue preference for anubody, stating that “the law is no respecter of any individual”.

    He urged members to maintain their dignity and integrity which the society has always known them for.

    Representing the new Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Lisa of Ikorodu, Chief Zacheus Odusoga thanked the council chief for the initiative.

  • Participate more in govt, Adebule tells women

    Participate more in govt, Adebule tells women

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule yesterday urged women to participate in government to promote the ideals of sustainable democratic practices and values.

    Dr Adebule spoke at the opening of ‘’Women in Government’’ conference organised by the Department for International Development (DFID), South-West Region.

    The conference was put together in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Governor.

    She said such participation was the prerequisite for achieving political, social, economic, cultural and environmental security in Nigeria.

    Dr Adebule said: “The 35 per cent slot for women participation in government is something that we as women must all strive to ensure that we meet up with.

    “Majority of women is looking for appointments but we should work toward getting elective positions because it is only there that there is opportunity to advocate the course of women and the girl-child. The attitude of shying away from taking up elective positions cannot take us anywhere. Women should be bold, educated, and supportive and have the confidence and add values to them.

    “It is when we do all these that the men folk will begin to take us serious and give us the chance to showcase our potential.”

    In a keynote address entitled Empowering Women for Political Participation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu decried the under representation of women in politics and governance.

    Tinubu said the society had yet to create an energetic and stereotype-free political space for women to enable them to participate actively in politics.

    She urged women to work together to achieve a collective empowerment in the face of a male-dominated society.

    Tinubu said: “We need increased participation that represents our population in politics, to enable us feel more relevant as productive members of the society.

    “If we want to make the 21 century the woman’s century, we cannot wait to be called ‘leaders’, we must naturally embrace that role”.

    Mrs Bisi Fayemi, wife of the former governor of Ekiti State, urged women in leadership positions to develop an agenda for change by making a positive difference.

    Mrs Fayemi also canvassed a constitution with affirmative action and quota for women to stipulate their positions, needs and concerns.

    “If you are incapable of serving and supporting other women and unable to leave an identifiable legacy behind when your time is done, you have wasted that space and it will be more difficult for another woman to be considered, ‘’ she said.

    Dr Adesina Fagbenro, Regional Coordinator of DFID in the South-West, said that democracy without the full participation of women was a contradiction.

    Fagbenro said that women’s participation in civil society and government decision making was fundamental to inclusive governance without which good governance was possible.

    “No country can progress or prosper if half of its citizens are left behind or treated as mere subject of the realm.

    “Progress for women and progress for democracy go hand-in-hand toward sustainable development.

    “If government is to meet the needs of both men and women, it must build on the experiences of both genders,” he said.

  • Badagry group thanks Ambode, Tinubu for fulfilling promise

    Badagry group thanks Ambode, Tinubu for fulfilling promise

    A group, Badagry Development Movement (BDM), has praised Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for fulfilling his campaign promise of bringing development to the area.

    BDM, a non-political association that stands for the development of Badagry, said the nomination of its indigene as a commissioner showed the governor’s good intentions.

    The group also praised All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who ensured that the party’s promise during the campaign was kept.

    BDM’s President, Comrade Saka Rahman said in a statement: “The Jagaban Bogu, our amiable governor and other APC chieftains saw the need to carry our people along so that we can as well contribute to the advancement of this state.

    “In 2011, Asiwaju Tinubu appointed two of our people, Tunde Hunpe and Mrs Senapon Oworu into the executive council, a representation that gave Badagry an opportunity not only to serve but to benefit from some basic infrastructures from the government.

    “During the last electioneering campaign, Asiwaju Tinubu promised us that if we come out en masse and vote for APC, that we will not be left out in the scheme of things.

    “Today, our very dear son, Tunde Hunpe has been nominated for a commissioner while a few others have been appointed into boards of institutions.

    “We want to use this opportunity to thank them for not just appointing him, but choosing a true representative of the people, a grassroots person who is tested and trusted by his people.”

  • Hajj stampede: How UNILAG teachers, others survived

    Hajj stampede: How UNILAG teachers, others survived

    Two University of Lagos (UNILAG) lecturers were among the pilgrims who survived the hajj stampede last week, it was learnt yesterday.

    Dr Ismail Ibrahim, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication and Acting Head of Actuarial Science Department, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf, were saved by their decision not to take a short cut back to their tent in Mina.

    The duo went to the Jamaraat to stone Satan, depicted by a pillar, with Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF), Imam Abdullahi Shuaib; Sheikh Ismail Raji, Mudeer of Ma’dul Rahmah, an Islamic School in Isolo, Lagos and his son, Ishaq, a student in Saudi Arabia.

    According to Imam Shuaib, the decision of many to take a short-cut back home after the exercise led to the stampede.

    Imam Shuaib, Coordinator of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Lagos State chapter, said: “We could have been victims of the stampede had we joined the bandwagon of those crossing to the route of those walking towards the Jamaraat. One of us suggested the idea of crossing because it would enable us to follow a short-cut and that would quickly take us to our tent. Fortunately, majority of us declined and insisted on following the normal route back home. Even though, our walk back home was a long one and we were very tired, the good news was that we got to our tent safely.”

    Another contributory factor, he said, was the blocking of the access route by some pilgrims.

    Pilgrims in Tent ‘A’, he said, did not want others to obstruct their movements and disrupt their he initiative is supported by comfort.

    He said: “We started the walk from Muzdalifah which covered a distance of about three kilometres to our tent in Mina. Immediately we got to Mina, we dropped our belongings and headed towards the Jamaraat.

    “After walking for about one kilometre, the crowd was getting thicker. We later found ourselves stalked in the middle and our movement was getting slower. The reason for that was because; we had to make a detour to our right going down a tunnel. At this juncture, extra-care and caution were required because the spot was very slippery due to the staircase and narrowness of the tunnel. We did not know the reason for directing pilgrims to make a detour. We only got to know after the stampede that it was the pilgrims in Tent ‘A’ category that did not want others to obstruct their comfort, hence informed the no access movement for others.

    “However, we managed to pass through the crowd without escaping the shoving, pushing and swinging aspects of the movement to the Jamaraat. We finally got to the Jamaraat successfully. In fact, all of us got to the edge of the Jamaraat and threw our pebbles with utmost ease. It should be mentioned that on our way to the Jamaraat, we saw some pilgrims who were obviously very fatigue. Some of them looked sick. Others were suffering from old age and sat by the side of the road trying to regain their breath. We availed ourselves of the opportunity of collecting bottles of water given out freely by the Saudi security officials. After exhausting our water, we also took water from the water dispensers placed along the road towards the Jamaraat. The strategy of drinking lots of water helped us greatly. It prevented us from suffering from dehydration while those who did not know the importance of taking lots of water became victims.

    “After we had completed the first round of throwing pebbles, we did a u-turn by taking the other route back home. While going back to our tent, we observed that some of the pilgrims, instead of following the route we took, crossed to the side of the pilgrims going towards the Jamaraat. It was like somebody walking against one-way. The reason (s) that informed some of the pilgrims walking against others going to the Jamaraat include the desire to take a short-cut back home; the desire to quickly enter their tents especially those in Tent ‘A’ which were located very close to the Jamaraat; the desire to either buy one or two things some of them saw on their way to the Jamaraat among others.”

    According to Imam Shuaib, patience and perseverance, self-discipline and adequate awareness are essentials in performing the spiritual exercise.

    “The idea of trying to quickly go and come back from the Jamaraat is not peculiar to anybody. All the pilgrims usually have the same idea. So, we should be cautious and patient with one another. It is only the patient ones that will complete the rites; though it may take a long time to do that, but at the end of the day, one would have.

    “Self-discipline is an important virtue that will ensure that pilgrims do not disobey the Saudi authorities, walk against the human-traffic, undermine the authority and rules put in place by either the host authority or the leaders of the delegations of the different countries in order to ensure a hitch-free Hajj. Each country should raise the awareness bar concerning the rigorous nature of some of the aspects of Hajj rites especially the Jamaraat, Tawaf Ifadah and Sa’y of Tawaf Ifadah among others,” he said.