The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anxiety

  • HOW TO GET RELIEF FROM ANXIETY THROUGH DIET AND LIFESTYLE

    HOW TO GET RELIEF FROM ANXIETY THROUGH DIET AND LIFESTYLE

    By Mojisola Alaiya

    The importance of nutrition in the management of anxiety and other mental health disorders is often downplayed and under-estimated.

    Anxiety is a mental health condition and reported to affect about 7.3% of global population. Frequent anxiety, when left unchecked, can affect body systems adversely (i.e. nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems) resulting in damage to body organs. The main treatment regime for anxiety by doctors is recommendation of medication.

    However, nature has blessed us with foods that can aid in management of anxiety.

    One of the modes of action of these foods has been scientifically linked to regulation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Serotonin is a biochemical that functions as regulator of mood, sleep, memory and behavior. This has been proved to be dependent on the boosting of its concentration in the brain. Serotonin is improves brain function and possesses calming and relaxing effects which relieves anxiety.

    Some of the foods that can calm anxiety include the following: Fish such as salmon and sardine, nuts (e.g. almond), citrus fruits, yoghurt etc. There are published researches conducted to provide scientific basis for these claims.

    § Fish: Salmon, tuna, sardine (sawa in Yoruba). These fish contain omega-3 fatty acids.
    Studies have shown that these fatty acids help in better handling of stressors that triggers anxiety (Polokowski et al., 2018 Nutritional Neuroscience 23(8):494-504). The fish also contain vitamin D which has been reported to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Cheng et al., 2020 Depression and Anxiety 37(6):549-564).
    Low level of vitamin D in the blood or vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression and anxiety traits.

    § Eggs, cheese and oatmeal: These are tryptophan-containing proteins and they are highly recommended. Tryptophan is an amino acid which is utilized in the body to produce serotonin, the mood-lifting neurotransmitter. It is suggested that inadequate consumption of proteins may be associated with higher feeling of anxiety.

    § Nuts are rich sources of vitamin E and fatty acids which are associated with better brain function.
    A research reported an association between increased consumption of nuts and decreased symptoms of depression (Qian et al., 2016 Depression and Anxiety 33(11)

    Read Also: 2024 diet gains: Chicken heart, eye and head, fish head and eye

    § Yoghurt contains healthy bacteria, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, also known as probiotics which promotes healthy digestive tract. Research has linked healthy gut bacteria to better mental health (Marotta et al., 2019 Frontiers Psychiatry10:164).

    § Cocoa drinks and dark chocolate: Chocolate drinks and dark chocolate contains flavonols which are phytochemicals reported to benefit brain function. A study conducted by Jackson et al. 2019 (Depression and Anxiety 36 (10):987-995) found that people who consumed cocoa products had significantly lower symptoms of anxiety, depression and have improved mood.

    § Green tea contains the compound L-theanine which is reported to possess anti-anxiety and calming effects due to its ability to increase the production of serotonin and dopamine in the body (White et al.,2016 Nutrients 8:53).

    § Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Asia which is fast gaining ground globally. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is believed to calm anxiety by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (Esmailly et al.,2015 Chin J Integr Med 21(5):332-338). Turmeric is a natural anti-depressant.

    § Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes can help to ease your anxiety and put you in a better frame of mind. Citrus fruits such as oranges, blueberries and pineapple, banana and cherries, vegetables such as cabbage and spinach (referred to as green in Nigeria), whole grains and legumes are excellent boost for the activities of serotonin in the body.

    Foods That Aggravate Anxiety

    If you suffer from anxiety it is advised that you avoid processed foods as much as possible. Alcohol and coffee should also be consumed minimally.

    Activities That Relieve Anxiety

    Anxiety makes one jittery and this may be accompanied by slight headache. Engaging in the following activities help to calm you when the feeling of anxiety and worry come calling.

    1. Massage:
      Full body massage by a professional will relieve tension in your muscles. However, do not get a massage when you have a fever because massage increase blood circulation so the infection may increase. In addition it is advisable not to get a massage when you have an inflammation, when you have a kidney or liver condition, when you have uncontrolled hypertension (massage increases blood flow) and when you are pregnant (especially in the first trimester).
      Massaging your temple and shoulder is also therapeutic.
    2. Exercise: A walk around your neighborhood or a workout can help calm down anxiety. Making this your regular routine (twice or thrice weekly) is quite beneficial.
    3. Spending time with nature: Being around nature, beautiful vegetation and flowers, has tremendous calming effect. Find time to go to a park or a botanical garden if you are a city dweller or create a natural scenario with pictures and objects of nature.
    4. Gardening: You can take up gardening. You don’t have space for that? No problem. Get garden pots or containers, fill them up with loamy soil and plant your favorite vegetable or flowers. Spend time to tend your makeshift garden and discover how calming this can be. It’s a win-win situation!! Gardening is beneficial to your health and you get to eat your own homegrown veggies or beautify your home with flowers you love. Added to this is that super proud feeling of accomplishment.
    5. Sleep: Sleeping recharges the brain. To get better sleep, choose a particular time of the day to go to bed. Do keep your room quiet, cool and dark. If you get enough sleep, that feeling of anxiety will be eased.
    6. Meditation: Meditation keeps your mind from focusing on your worries. Although you are aware of your worries, you intentionally divert your attention to a Superior being that can take care of them for you.

    Lastly, if you suffer from anxiety, refrain or reduce alcohol intake. A couple of drinks may be relaxing but heavy or frequent drinking makes you fidgety and increases anxiety. This is in addition to the health problems associated with heavy alcohol intake.

  • Anxiety as NERC meets operators on metering

    Anxiety has gripped firms, which applied to serve as Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) under the new metering arrangement, following the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC’s) decision to invite them for a meeting this week.

    The 115 firms were in a last minutes rush to know the details of the meeting as they made frantic efforts to ensure that their chief executive officers, were available for the meeting, which is billed to hold in Abuja.

    However, sources told The Nation that the meeting may not be unconnected with granting approval to firms shortlisted for reducing the metering gap of 4.8 milliion people in the country.

    The sources further said the need to fashion out modalities for the take-off of the firms and the date for the commencement of their operation, among others, informed NERC’s decision to invite them to the meeting.

    Reacting, Momas Electricity Meter Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL) Chief Executive officer, Kola Balogun, said he believed the meeting would discuss knotty issues that pertain to the operation of the meter asset providers.

    He said the Commission was eager to move the sector forward by proffering solutions to meter shortage in the country, adding that stakeholders in the value chain, especially meter providers and the consumers, are looking forward to a date, when the scheme would be fully implemented.

    Balogun, whose firm is also a prospective meter asset provider, said the sub-sector is bedeviled with problems such as shortage of meters, adding that NERC’s decision to take off the burden of distributing meters from the eleven power distribution companies (DIsCos) and instead allow some privately owned companies to help in providing meters to consumers, would move the sector forward.

    According to him, meter asset providers would be happy to start operation as soon as possible, adding that the indigenous manufacturers of meters are ready for the job. He said operators are expecting the meeting to iron issues that are bothering them and provide them the way forward.

    “I believe the meeting would come out with a communiqué that would tell us the position of things on the new metering programme. It is after the meeting that everybody, especially the prospective meter asset providers, would know when they would commence operation,” he said.

    The Federal Government through the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, last month, announced plans by the government to license meter asset providers to help in providing meters to consumers across the country.

    Thereafter, NERC obtained and sought out applications from firms that want to play as meter asset providers and fixed January 2019 for the commencement of their operation.  However, firms are waiting for NERC to fix a new date for the commencement of their operation following their inability to start operation in January as planned.

  • Anxiety as NERC meets operators on metering

    Anxiety has gripped firms, which applied to serve as Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) under the new metering arrangement, following the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC’s) decision to invite them for a meeting this week.

    The 115 firms were in a last minutes rush to know the details of the meeting as they made frantic efforts to ensure that their chief executive officers, were available for the meeting, which is billed to hold in Abuja.

    However, sources told The Nation that the meeting may not be unconnected with granting approval to firms shortlisted for reducing the metering gap of 4.8 milliion people in the country.

    The sources further said the need to fashion out modalities for the take-off of the firms and the date for the commencement of their operation, among others, informed NERC’s decision to invite them to the meeting.

    Reacting, Momas Electricity Meter Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL) Chief Executive officer, Kola Balogun, said he believed the meeting would discuss knotty issues that pertain to the operation of the meter asset providers.

    He said the Commission was eager to move the sector forward by proffering solutions to meter shortage in the country, adding that stakeholders in the value chain, especially meter providers and the consumers, are looking forward to a date, when the scheme would be fully implemented.

    Balogun, whose firm is also a prospective meter asset provider, said the sub-sector is bedeviled with problems such as shortage of meters, adding that NERC’s decision to take off the burden of distributing meters from the eleven power distribution companies (DIsCos) and instead allow some privately owned companies to help in providing meters to consumers, would move the sector forward.

    According to him, meter asset providers would be happy to start operation as soon as possible, adding that the indigenous manufacturers of meters are ready for the job. He said operators are expecting the meeting to iron issues that are bothering them and provide them the way forward.

    Read also: Metering is DisCos’ obligation, NERC insists

    “I believe the meeting would come out with a communiqué that would tell us the position of things on the new metering programme. It is after the meeting that everybody, especially the prospective meter asset providers, would know when they would commence operation,” he said.

    The Federal Government through the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, last month, announced plans by the government to license meter asset providers to help in providing meters to consumers across the country.

    Thereafter, NERC obtained and sought out applications from firms that want to play as meter asset providers and fixed January 2019 for the commencement of their operation.  However, firms are waiting for NERC to fix a new date for the commencement of their operation following their inability to start operation in January as planned.

  • Anxiety heightens ahead of makeup polls in states

    Politicians were restless yesterday ahead of the supplementary elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in five states – Sokoto, Kano, Adamawa, Benue and Plateau.

    The electoral umpire is to decide whether the polls will go on as scheduled on Saturday in Bauchi and Adamawa states.  Two courts are billed to rule today on seperate suits filed in respect of the makeup elections in the two states.

    But the coast seems clear for the elections in Sokoto, Kano and Plateau states.

    The military yesterday warned its personnel against unlawful involvement in the supplementary elections.

    Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, gave the warning while taking over the command of the Division.

    In Plateau, Commissioner of Police Isaac Akinmoyede alleged that a group of people planned to disrupt Saturday’s election.

    He told reports at a news conference in Jos: “Report reaching us at the Command is to the effect that some people have concluded plans to destabilise the planned supplementary election, which is scheduled to take place in nine local government areas of the state.

    “I want to use this opportunity to tell those people that we are aware of their plans and they should better shelve their plan in their own interest.”

    But, ahead of the election, Governor Simon Lalong’s  Senior Special Assistant on Media &  Publicity, Mark Longyen, urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate , Senator Jeremiah Useni, to concede defeat and save INEC the stress of the supplementary poll.

    Longyen said the electoral umpire would save the time and resources it plans to deploy in the conduct of the poll to determine the winner between the incumbent governor/APC candidate and his challenger, Useni.

    In Benue State, where Governor Samuel Ortom warned troublemakers to keep off, some youths took to the streets to protest in his support, asking the INEC to declare him winner.

    The APC said it had mobilised its members for the election.

    Publicity Secretary James Ornguga said the call by the youths has no place in the electoral guidelines.

    The protesting youths, members of the Benue Youth Mass Action Alliance (BYMAA), were led by Fanen Zegeor to march on the INEC office in Makurdi.

    They said the commission ought to have declared the incumbent winner of the election, based on the votes he polled after the first ballot on March 9.

    Zegeor urged INEC to maintain neutrality by conducting the supplementary election in a free and fair manner.

    On Bauchi, the PDP petitioned the National judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as the violation of the Constitution and Electoral Act by Justice Ekwo Inyang of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The party said the Judge erred by sitting on a matter that ought to have been handled by an election petitions’ tribunal, in line with the provisions of our laws.

    Justice Inyang had granted an ex parte order stopping the INEC from concluding the governorship election in Bauchi State.

    The court will today begin hearing on INEC’s objection to its order, stopping the commission from continuing with collation and announcement of results of Bauchi polls.

    To douse the tension in Bauchi, the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC) dispatched its members on a peace mission to the state for a meeting with critical stakeholders.

    The NPC members urged political leaders to educate their followers on why they should conduct themselves peacefully as they await the outcome of the court order halting the collation of results.

    The NPC members were led by the Deputy Director of the Kukah Centre, Duke Duke Anoemuah.

    At the Town Hall meeting,  Anoemuah said: “This initiative is a continuation of our earlier visit to six states in the country (Kwara) before the Presidential and National Assembly elections; followed by Kano , Adamawa, Gombe, Anambra and Imo states, shortly before the gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.

    “These interventions were made ahead of the elections by organising a high level dialogue on the need to uphold peace before, during and after the elections.

    “This meeting is geared to reinforce peace, the message of peace and to implore actors and their supporters to accept the outcome of the results of various levels of the electioneering process.

    “It would help to strengthen mutual confidence among politicians, and to encourage peaceful resolution of all election- related disputes with utmost regard to the rule of law and the due process.”

    The atmosphere was tense in the state yesterday as some agitated supporters took to the streets to protest the court ruling.

  • Anxiety as Labour gets set for minimum wage strike

    There is anxiety in government circles over Labour’s plan to go on strike.

    The action is to push the demand for a new minimum wage.

    But the Federal Government has invited workers’ representatives to a meeting  tomorrow in a move to avert the impending industrial action.

    Labour is angry that the Presidency is yet to transmit the New National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly.

    Labour has demanded N30, 000 for the least paid worker.

    The federal and state governments are offering N24, 000 and N22, 500.

    Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) General Secretary Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson told The Nation on phone yesterday that Labour will not embark on an industrial action secretly.

    According to him, the workers’ union has asked its state councils to hold rallies in city centres beginning from January 8 to sensitise Nigerians on the looming action.

    Ozo-Eson said: “The NEC approved that the protests should hold in all state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja  on 8th January, 2019, and mandates all industrial unions and state councils to fully mobilise workers and coordinate with other labour unions for this mother of all protests.

    “The excuse that the National Assembly is on break does not hold water as the report of the tripartite committee has been with the President for about two months.

    “Was the National Assembly on recess when the report was submitted? Didn’t the House of Representatives adopt a resolution calling on the President to transmit the bill?

    “The notice expired on 31st December, 2018. When it was given, was the National Assembly on recess?

    On whether there were moves to stop the impending strike, Ozo-Esan said: “We don’t do strike in secret. When we want to do our strike, we will publicly inform Nigerians. What we have directed state councils all over the country to do is that on January 8, they should hold sensitisation and mobilisation rallies across the country.

    “That we have put in the public domain through our communique. When we want to give another directive, we will do so.”

    But the government has invited the Labour leadership to a meeting on Friday at the office of the Labour & Employment Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige the office of the Minister of on Friday to address issues raised by Labour and to brief them on efforts being made by the government.

    A statement signed by the Director of Press in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Samuel Olowokoore, reads “Towards nipping in the bud threat of national industrial action by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) over the transmission of the New National Minimum Wage to the National Assembly, the Minister of Labour & Employment Sen. Chris Ngige, is scheduled to hold a meeting with the Executives of the Organised Labour”.

    The Nation learnt that, the ministers of Finance and that Budget & National Planning are also expected at the meeting scheduled to begin from 10.30am.

    Dr Ngige was quoted as saying that the Attorney-General of the Federation was studying the draft bill submitted by the tripartite committee along with the report to the President with a view to coming up with an executive bill which will be transmitted to National Assembly.

    It was also learnt that the government may have reached out to some influential Nigerians and former Labour leaders, including All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole to prevail on workers to drop the threat strike.

    Oshiomhole recently threw his weight behind Labour in its quest for have a new National minimum wage, saying Nigeria can afford to pay workers what he described as living wage.

    He told The Nation on a chat yesterday: “This is in spite of the unimpeachable tripartite process leading to the agreement by the social partners on the new national minimum wage.

    “It is unfortunate that the Federal Government is yet to transmit to the National Assembly an executive bill for the enactment of N30, 000 as the new national minimum wage.

    “Government’s dilly-dallying on the issue has strained government-labour relations with a potential for a major national strike which could just be days away.

    “I want to appeal to the government to do the needful by urgently transmitting the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly.

    “We also would like to use this same opportunity to urge workers to fully mobilise for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right.”

    Explaining the inevitability of the strike, Ayuba called on all Nigerians and businesses to understand and support it. He, however, assured workers that their labour, patience and diligence would not be in vain.

    Wabba said the NLC leadership remains committed to ensure that workers get just and fair wages in a decent work environment appropriate to their well-being.

    Besides, he restated the commitment of Labour to ensuring social protection for its members.

    He said: “The new year presents great opportunities for workers, pensioners, civil society allies and their friends and families to put their numbers to good use.

    “This is by voting out, not on the basis of tribe or religion but purely policy, any candidate that cannot serve their interest.

    “In the year that is ahead of us, the NLC remains unequivocally committed to the national and workers’ goals which include the campaign for industrialisation, against selective enforcement of “No work, no pay” policy of government, among others.”

  • Anxiety as Egypt delays visa issuance for African fair

    Exhibitors who are supposed to travel to Egypt for the 2018 Intra-African Trade Fair exhibition have lamented their inability to get traveling visa from Egyptian Embassy.

    The exhibition is scheduled for between December 9 and 12. With less than four days to go,  no exhibitor has been able to get visa yet, thus creating anxiety among the business community because they are unsure if the embassy will release the visa before the date of the exhibition.

    But officials of the embassy, has assured that work is ongoing to expediate action on the issuance of visa to the intending exhibitors.

    An official, Lucy Akorebe,  said the workers were working round the clock to ensure everyone gets  visa in the next two days. She appealed to the exhibitors and people travelling for the programme to be patient.

    She said: “We are really sorry for the inconveniences, our workers are inside right now working round the clock to ensure everyone gets visa. We have some international passports from Nexim Bank, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other places.

    “I am assuring you that in the next two or three days, everyone will get visa to enable them prepare on time.”

  • Anxiety as ex-militant leaders regroup for Atiku

    Former leaders of the disbanded Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) are mobilising for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

    It was gathered this is brewing tension among power brokers in the party, especially from the North.

    The mobilisation is said to be coordinated by an influential former top public officer from Niger Delta, who led a multi-billion agency.

    He recently dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for PDP, and could likely be chosen as the Niger Delta liaison officer of PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

    It was not clear whether leader of the disbanded MEND, Government Ekpomupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, was part of the deal.

    But sources said top commanders of the defunct MEND, popularly referred to as the “Big Five” – Ateke Tom (a traditional ruler in Rivers State), Farrah Dagogo, Victor Ben (Boyloaf), Joshua Macaiver and Bigbopere Ajube (Shoot at Sight) – were deeply involved.

    A source close to PDP Presidential Campaign Council said meetings had been held in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Abuja to seal the deal for Atiku’s election.

    He said: “We are on top of the situation in Niger Delta because ex-agitators from the region, especially those we call the big five, are solidly behind our presidential candidate.

    “Although they had their initial reservations about Atiku because of his role in the ouster of their kinsman, Goodluck Jonathan, they finally agreed to work for him after certain concessions were made in terms of their continued involvement in the surveillance of oil installations. Recall that the arrangement was stopped by the current government so they are not happy with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “What we intend to do is to possibly make some minor adjustments as regards the security approach in Niger Delta.

    ‘’But as we speak, not everyone, particularly those leaders from the North, are comfortable these ex-warlords are about returning to a renewed era of influence and profligacy that pervaded the Jonathan Presidency’’, the source said.

     

  • Anxiety in Southeast over Atiku’s six-year plan

    •Leaders demand firm commitment on single term

    As the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, prepares to kick off his 2019 campaigns, the six-year plan in his manifesto has continued to create anxiety, especially among Southeast leaders.

    The Nation gathered exclusively yesterday that although he is set to kick-start his presidential campaign with a zonal rally in Lagos on November 28, he was yet to make a commitment to the leaders of the party, especially to the Southeast caucus, on whether or not he will spend one term in office.

    The Southeast wants power shift to the geopolitical zone in 2023 and is seeking a firm commitment on this desire.

    The issue of tenure was said to be central to the backing of the Southeast for PDP because the zone is after power shift in 2023.

    A member of the National Executive Committee of PDP said: “Atiku has not been forthcoming on whether he will spend a term in office or two terms. We are trying to read his lips but no commitment yet.

    “Instead, we read of his six-year plan which pointed to a second term. If he spends two terms in office, it will give the North an edge of 16 years in power and it might foreclose the chances of the Igbo. This is why some PDP governors and leaders from the Southeast are being sceptical of Atiku Project.”

    But one of the strategists of Atiku, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, has said that there was “nothing in The Atiku Plan to suggest a hidden agenda of two terms in office for Atiku Abubakar.

    He said:  “The document is a product of 18 months of well researched and widely consulted hard work on how to move Nigeria forward and to speed up the pace of development across all the critical sectors of the economy.

    “The reason the policy document was authored to cover up to 2025 and beyond was simply meant to address the volatility and unpredictability of global trade and economics, as most progressive leaders who understand the intricate nature of growing their economies, draw up 10 year strategic vision plans for their nations, even when they well understand that their term in office will not extend to such a period.

    “Government is a continuum and as such a sound and effective development plan can serve several leaders who are desirous of enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of their citizens.

    The campaign strategist cited three examples from Nigeria’s recent past where the current administration continued to implement some major projects and policies of the immediate past PDP administration.

    He listed the projects to include Railway projects, the implementation of the TSA and BVN financial policy, by the Buhari administration, which were actually inherited by the sound development plan of the President Goodluck Jonathan era.

    “Sadly, the mudslinging intentions and diabolic attempts to divert the campaign away from the real issues that continue to bedevil the country, has been given a new twist by the purveyors of negative propaganda.

    “These persons have simply overlooked the salient points contained in the “My plan to get Nigeria working again” document to invoke ethnic and divisive sentiments by insinuating that the document has exposed a hidden agenda of a second term plan by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and by so doing are directly provoking the South- East or even south west into erroneously believing that they have no stake in 2023″

    “With all these, it is obvious that “My Plan to get Nigeria working Again”, is indeed a comprehensive work plan that has been structured to outlive Atiku’s stay in office, even if it was to become a two-term presidency.

    “The mention of 2025 and 2030 as delivery dates for some of the critical components of the plan is a clear demonstration that Atiku’s vision reflects the sincerity of his intentions to achieve a better more progressive Nigeria and the generosity of the mind of a good leader who thinks ahead in a selfless manner for common good.

    “Indeed, working with a man like Peter Obi, who incidentally is from the South East and whose sterling track record as a financial guru and economic master-strategist, speak volumes for the expansive nationalistic vision of Atiku Abubakar.”

    On Atiku’s plan to defeat Buhari in the Southwest, it was learnt that the weak structure of PDP in the Southwest is of concern to the candidate and the PDP.

    Also, ahead of the commencement of his campaign, pressure for posts has delayed the announcement of the full members of the Presidential Campaign Council of the party.

    The list of PCC was still being tinkered with at the last minutes to “accommodate different interests”.

    Checks have however confirmed that Atiku is set for campaign with a hectic programme.

    According to a copy of the campaign schedule of Atiku, which was exclusively obtained by our correspondent, Atiku will hold zonal rallies as follows: Lagos (November 28 for Southwest); Kano (December 1 for Northwest) ; Enugu (December 5 for Southeast); Ilorin (December 8 for Northcentral); Port Harcourt (December 12-South-south) and Bauchi (December 15 for Northeast).

    Atiku is expected to start a marathon state campaign shuttle from Sokoto on December 18.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The choice of Southwest, especially Lagos, is to underscore the determination of PDP to win the zone in 2019. With the Southeast and South-south in our kitty, the main target is the Southwest.

    “The Southwest has a huge and sophisticated voting strength, it remains a major target of our campaign. With ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s backing, PDP will go all out to change the narrative in this zone.

    “We have a big plan to win the Southwest if it means going from door to door.”

    It was however learnt that the weak structure of the party in the Southwest has been a major headache for PDP.

    A party leader said: “Our party is not too strong in the Southwest like when Obasanjo was in power. This is giving us a bit of concern. But since we will tackle APC on issues, there might be empathy for PDP.

    “The people of the Southwest cannot be led by the nose. We want to capitalize on their discerning minds to capture the zone.”

    Investigation also revealed that Atiku is yet to release the list of members of the Presidential Campaign Council due to pressure to tinker with it and accommodate some party leaders.

    A PDP stalwart said: “Atiku is always reworking the list in order to make it representational.

    “There is always pressure to accommodate vested interests. But in the next few days, Atiku will roll out the names of PCC members.”

  • Anxiety as consumers besiege DisCos  for meters

    Electricity consumers have been in dilemma over Federal Government’s intention to meter them  and subsequently rid the industry of estimated billings, it was learnt.

    The Nation investigation revealed that the power distribution companies (DisCos) in recent times have witnessed a large turnout of customers, who visited them for meters.

    A visit to the business units of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company(EKEDC) and the Ikeja Electric, showed that customers have made it a routine to make enquiries about the amount to be paid before being given meters and the time it would take to get the meters, among others.

    This is inspite of Federal Government and some  power firms’ decision to give the meters free of charge and that no payment must be attached to it by DisCos’ officials, except in cases where they need to reconcile their accounts, especially in the area of unpaid bills.

    A civil servant with  the Lagos State Ministry of Lands and Housing,  Mr Abiodun Ojo, said many consumers are confused over power firms’ insistence that customers must pay for the meters.

    He said: “ I have on several occasions visited the Ponle office in Egbeda under Ikeja Electric, with a view to find out when the meters would be issued to customers. I need the meters badly; so also other consumers across the country.

    “I have been hearing conflicting stories on the issue. Some sections of the public said consumers would pay for meters; others said consumers would not pay a dime. The question is which of the information should consumers believe, more so, when the power  firms are being economical with the truth?’

    Also, another consumer, Mr Chika Udensi, said he was not comfortable with the process of applying for meters. According to him, neither the Federal Government, nor the power firms/the Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC), is sincere on the issue.

    Udensi, a legal practitioner, said his colleagues are at a loss on the issue of payment for meters, following EKEDC  officials’ decision  to ask for money from those applying for meters.

    A member of staff of Ikeja Electric at Ebute in Ikorodu, said the firm was not demanding payment for meters from consumers. He said the story that the firm was asking for N35,000 for three- phase meter and N25,000 for single-phase meter was in the realm of rumour and should be treated accordingly.

    The official, who does not want to be mentioned, said Ikeja Electric Business Unit in the area, asked people to apply for meter in batches. “We told landlords in the area  that they should formed a group of 10 people each and thereafter apply for meters. The aim is to make the process of applying for meters and collection seamless,” he said. It would be recalled that the Ikeja Ekectric’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Anthony Youweoi, said meter us free and that no customer must pay for the product, except cases where customer(s) have some financial obligations to settle.

  • Anxiety as IPOB resumes call for election boycott

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday resumed the call for election boycott in the Southeast ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The proscribed group insisted on a referendum and sovereign state of Biafra as part of conditions to end the renewed agitation.

    It also demanded for the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu and his unconditional release.

    During a protest in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Friday, by hundreds of half-naked female IPOB members cladded in black attire, the group derided Nigeria as “a failed country that does not hold any prospect for the Igbo”.

    The early morning protest grounded vehicular and human movement along major streets in Owerri, while stern looking soldiers and mobile policemen were drafted to strategic locations to forestall breakdown of law and order.

    The separatist group vowed to disrupt the 2019 elections across the Southeast, warning that severe punishments will be meted out to those who will betray the renewed struggle for the actualization of the state of Biafra by conniving with “Nigerian agents to conduct election in Igbo land,”

    They accused the Southeast governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo, Igbo apex socio-cultural organization of complicity in the unprovoked killing of unarmed Biafra agitators by supporting military operations in the Southeast.

    Some of the various placards displayed by the protesting women, had inscriptions such as, ‘no more election in Igbo land, we want Biafra’, ‘Nigeria is a fraud, we need Biafra’, ‘no more elections, we need a referendum’, ‘release Nnamdi Kanu now or face the wrath of God’, ‘we are tired of Nigeria’, among others.

    It would be recalled that leader of the group, Kanu, had called for the boycott of the Anambra governorship election in 2017 in defiance to pleas from Ohaneze Ndigbo, religious groups and other influential bodies in the Southeast.