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  • Igbinedion’s petition dismissed

    The election petition tribunal in Benin City, Edo State, has dismissed the petition by Omosede Igbinedion for lack of merit.

    Igbinedion is challenging the victory of Dennis Idahosa, who was declared winner of the Ovia Federal Constituency seat s the House of Representatives.

    She asked the tribunal to declare her winner of the election on grounds that Idahosa was not qualified to contest the election, being a Canadian citizen, and did not resign his appointment with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

    The tribunal said there was no merit in the petition.

    Tribunal Chairman Justice O. Ogundana said Omosede failed to prove allegations of over voting, forgery and falsification of results.

    Justice Ogundana, who had earlier ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) filed its reply out of time, noted that allegations of over voting, electoral malpractices bothered on criminal offences that must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

    On non-qualification by Idahosa following allegations of being a Canadian citizen, the tribunal held that the petitioners failed to show any prove of the allegation as the witness called did not testify regarding the allegation.

    Read Also: Tribunal affirms victory of former Senate Deputy Whip, Alimikhena

    The tribunal ruled that Idahosa proved he is a Nigerian by birth by presenting his International Passport and proof of his resignation as a board member of the National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGW).

    The tribunal said: “The argument of the petitioners is most untenable. They did not show relevant documents and pleaded facts are not before the tribunal. Aside the pleading of the grounds, the petitioners did not place anything on their side. They did not make prima facie case. Averments in petitions prove nothing without evidence. The onus of proof has not shifted to the defendants.

    “The petitioners failed to prove non-qualification. All these allegations have not been proven. Even if ground three has not been struck out, it would not have survived.”

    Idahosa hailed the judiciary for remaining the hope of the common man. He promised to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of Ovia.

  • Araraume, Uzodinma, others urge tribunal to nullify Ihedioha’s election

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Ifeanyi Ararume;  Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance (AA) on Sunday adopted their written addresses asking the court to nullify the election of Emeka Ihedioha as Imo State Governor.

    The candidates and their parties approached the tribunal to challenge Ihedioha’s victory in the March 9 governorship election.

    According to the petitioners, Section 179 of the Constitution says a winner must have the highest number of votes and also obtain the constitutional one quarter of the votes in at least two-thirds of the 27 local government areas of the state, a condition Ihedioha failed to meet.

    At the adoption of their final addresses on Sunday, the petitioners said there were glaring evidences that Ihedioha did not win the March 9 election.

    Araraume, in challenging the outcome of the election, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ihedioha winner in error because he didn’t meet the constitutional requirements.

    Read Also: Aide outlines Ihedioha’s accomplishments in first 100 days

    He asked for an order to void the Certificate of Return issued to Ihedioha – on the grounds that there were massive irregularities in the election. He also averred, through his lawyers – Awa Kalu (SAN), Ahmed Raji (SAN), K.C Nwufo (SAN) and I. K Bawa (SAN) – that all the scores and votes from Ehime Mbano local government area and 17 others were unlawful.

    According to him, there was unexplained change of electoral officers at the last minute by INEC, and massive hijacking and diversion of electoral materials.

    Araraume and APGA asked the tribunal to nullify and set aside the March 9 election for being invalid and not complying with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and the 1999 Constitution.

    Uzodinma asked the tribunal to declare him winner of the election after accusing INEC of excluding APC results in 388 polling units.

    The results, he said, were declared at the polling units but were not collated at the ward levels.

    According to him the results at the polling unit were in form EC8A and were issued to the petitioner’s agent but were omitted by INEC during the declaration of general results.

    He said if the results were added by the tribunal, he would defeat Ihedioha with over 40,000 votes.

    Nwosu asked the tribunal to order a rerun between him and Ihedioha because the governor lacked the 2/3 spread in the state to be declared winner. He also argued that INEC failed to order a rerun in 258 polling units where results were said to have been cancelled by INEC.

    But Ihedioha’s lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu; INEC’s lawyer Eke Ejelam and PDP’s lawyer Ken Njemanze asked the panel to dismiss the petitions and uphold Ihedioha’s victory.

    Uzodinma’s lawyer Olusola Oke said the code of Tribunal made it illegal for the tribunal to sit on a Sunday. He asked the tribunal to adopt Sunday as a sitting day as to legalise the day’s proceedings; the tribunal immediately adopted Sunday as a sitting day.

    Oke, therefore, urged the tribunal to declare his client winner of the election.

    Tribunal chairman Michael Adewara said the date of the judgments would be communicated to the parties.

  • Arrest order: Okorocha seeks Onyeaguocha’s sanction

    Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has urged his successor, Emeka Ihedioha, to sanction the Secretary to the State Government, Uche Onyeaguocha, for giving an illegal order  for his arrest.

    Governor Ihedioha denied declaring the former governor wanted after many groups condemned the order.

    A statement by Okorocha’s media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, reads: “Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha was quoted as saying he never ordered the arrest of his predecessor, Senator Rochas Okorocha. This denial, which has been reported in the media, was part of a statement issued by his media aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu, on September 7.

    “We hail the governor for the denial, having known that the arrest order was uncivilised, disgraceful and embarrassing to the state and every enlightened society, though it came somewhat late; several weeks after the incident happened, thus making it appear belated or an afterthought.

    Read Also: Imo: Fresh moves to resolve Ihedioha, Okorocha feud

    “However, the governor could also add fibre to the denial by sanctioning the Secretary to the State Government, Uche Onyeaguocha, who gave the order. When a senior government official in the capacity of Secretary to the State Government makes such disturbing pronouncement, the conclusion is that he has spoken on behalf of the governor and the government; the governor’s long silence is not golden.

    “If the governor stops at the denial only, the public would still view it like the partial demolition of Akachi Tower which the government also denied authorising, but has failed to arrest those who demolished the edifice 24 hours after his inauguration.

    “Senator Okorocha is a peaceful man and that was why, throughput his eight years as governor, he never witch-hunted anybody, including those who made themselves his arch opponents.”

  • No division in Bayelsa PDP, says Diri

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has debunked rumours of rift in the party.

    According to him, the transparent and credible primaries which produced him as the party’s candidate proved doomsday prophets, who earlier predicted implosion in the party, wrong.

    He added that the transparent process made it easy for other aspirants to concede defeat and so promising to work for the party’s success in the November 16 governorship election.

    Diri described the primaries as the most transparent in the history of the state, saying after the exercise, his co-contestants either called him on telephone or came in person to express their loyalty to the party.

    The senator, who knelt to thank party faithful for believing in him, urged them to be united in ensuring victory for PDP at the general election.

    He said: “There is no dispute at all because Bayelsa PDP is one. I also thank my co-contestants. That morning when the results were announced they came one by one to congratulate me. We had 21 aspirants in one state contesting the same position. People concluded that the Bayelsa PDP was going to implode, and would never come together again. But today we are more united than before. The doom they foresaw was never in Bayelsa. Bayelsa is transparent, peaceful, credible, and open for the world.

    Read Also: Bayelsa: Dickson drubs Jonathan in battle for PDP’s governorship ticket

    “We are still one family; those not here have called me and the governor to say they would work for the party. I am humbled. If all of you stand by me, and with God on our side, we will win this election.”

    PDP Chairman Cleopas Moses said the governorship election was between the PDP and other ‘small parties that are making noise’.

    He said: “The primary is the most transparent in the history of our state. I congratulate the others for accepting the results. The party is proud of you. We ask you to support the candidate so that we can win the election and carry the restoration agenda to the next level of prosperity.

    “We have restored. This is the time for enjoyment. That is what the incoming government shall do. Go to every ward and ensure the PDP is delivered in the next election”.

    Some other aspirants, including the Secretary to the State Government, Kemela Okara, who attended the reception at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, hailed the primaries and declared their loyalty to the party.

  • PDP governors seek probe of Umahi’s home raid

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has condemned the invasion of the Abuja residence of Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi.

    In a statement on Sunday by the Chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, the forum described the raid as an attack on democracy.

    “It is assault on the sensibility and integrity of Ebonyi people, and an affront on their fundamental rights, the forum of PDP governors, millions of PDP members and all Nigerians,” Dickson said.

    Read Also: Anger over Umahi’s home raid

    The governors said the raid was already generating anger, and so called on the Inspector General of Police (IG), Idris Adamu, to investigate it. According to the forum, the investigation was important since the invaders were alleged to be security operatives, while the police denied such an operation.

    The statement reads: “We are worried that the police authorities have denied the foreknowledge of the operation. The fact that the police high command, including the Office of the Inspector General of Police, have distanced themselves from the invasion makes it a suspicious operation.

    “We, therefore, urge the IG to probe the raid. This should be carried out immediately to unveil the circumstances and people behind the action.”

    The governors also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to ensure protection of lives and property.

  • Access Bank warns against fraudsters

    Access Bank at the weekend warned its customers to be vigilant as fraudsters design ways of defrauding them.

    In an emailed report, the lender warned customers to ignore messages purporting to emanate from the bank to purchase debit or credit card.

    “You may have received unsolicited offers to purchase your debit or credit card. Please ignore this request as it is intended to defraud you. Access Bank will never offer to buy or retrieve any personal banking items from you . If you receive such a request, please report this incident to us immediately,” the bank warned.

    It gave tips that will help customers to protect their card and personal information to include not sharing their PIN or giving their cards to anybody.

    “Do not share your account number, the security number on the back of your card or card expiry date with anyone. Never generate a token or OTP for anyone via telephone, email, SMS, live chat or social media. “If your card is lost or stolen please call the contact centre immediately. Never share your account information or your personal banking details including Biometric Verification Number (BVN)  via SMS, email, or telephone.

    “Remember, if you have any suspicions, please call our 24-hour contact centre, send an email or is it your closest branch,”  the email report said.

  • Tecno attaches European trip to Camon 12

    Africa’s leading smartphone brand, Tecno, at the weekend said every consumer who buys the Tecno Camon 12 Series will have a chance to win a trip to Europe through a raffle draw.

    It made the promise at the launch of the new device at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Its Strategic Partnership Manager, Jesse Oguntimehin, who spoke on the occasion, said Tecno is committed to satisfying its customers with innovative products.

    He said: “ This time around, we at Tecno has worked round the clock to make it possible for our users to see the world through our device. The Camon 12  is more than just any device, it is the device. It comes with a lot of physical and inbuilt upgrades from the Camon 11 launched last year, ranging from its look and feel, to its camera, to its security feature upgrade, the brand has it all covered.

    “This is the seventh generation of the Camon Series and with this device, we are unlocking a new era of smartphone photography.”

    The new device, which is a testament of the brand’s improvement and development of smartphone photography comes with a number of enhanced features that in many ways validates the brand’s ability to always raise the bar with every device it releases into the  mobile market.

  • Nigeria, Cameroon to boost SMEs

    Nigeria and Cameroon have agreed to strengthen trade relationship to enhance free flow of goods and services using the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of both countries to achieve these.

    To achieve this, the Federal Government, through the Small and Medium Development Agency (SMEDAN) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has started the strengthening of ties with Cameroon on the development of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of both countries.

    “The initiative is also to facilitate a seamless exchange of goods and services between both countries, in conjunction with the Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Agency (SMEPA) and the Standards and Quality Agency (ANOR) both of Cameroon,” the organisation said at the weekend.

    These indications became apparent during a visit of SMEPA representatives to SON, led by officials of SMEDAN as part of a study tour to Nigeria.

    SMEDAN Director, Policy, Partnership and Coordination, Dr. Friday Okpara, said the visit was at the instance of SMEPA as part of their study tour to of the country.

    He canvassed an open exchange of ideas to enable the SMEPA delegation gain from Nigeria’s rich experience in standardisation and quality assurance support to MSMEs.

  • NDDC and wailing governors

    The Niger Delta Development Commission always makes news. When it is silent, it roars. When it roars, the roof comes down. When an ant enters, an earthquakes rumbles around the region. So, no wonder that when an appointment is made, some hail while others wail.

    It is amazing that of all groups, it is a supposedly hefty group that is shedding tears and pleading over the new set of appointees, that include the well-known Bernard Okumagba as the managing director, Otobong Ndem as executive director projects and Maxwell Okoh as executive director finance and administration.

    The governors that include Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Godwin Obaseki rose against the appointees. We can understand faceless groups like the Niger Delta Youth Council that gives its nod to the Buhari picks or the Western Ijaw Consultative Assembly that frowns against them.

    But for governors? This is a first. One, it is a decision for the APC government. What is the business of the PDP governors to say who the APC governors appoint to a board. They had lost their chance during the last elections when the people gave the vote to the APC. When Goodluck Jonathan was in office, the PDP had the prerogative to pick who should lead the board or any board anywhere in the country. That is the democratic way.

    It was amazing that the only APC governor in the midst of these dissenters, Obaseki, showed how out of sync he was with his party. He is a governor and that makes him a henchman, at least on paper, in the ruling party. If his influence failed, at least he should not join a band of anti-party howlers against his party head. That he has exposed his lack of grip on his party in his own region. It is a show of political naivety.

    Now the governors spoke about consultations. The question is, who did they consult before making some of their key appointments into local governments, cabinets, and even agencies in their states. Governors are the last set of people in this democracy to mention the word consultation because they act as monarchs. Is it true that they are simply unhappy just as an APC spokesman, Ntufam Eta, described them as only interested in ensuring that their family members, cronies and stooges are appointed to strategic positions to the detriment of the generality of Nigerians”? the governors are not the only Nigerians who may be guilty of this, but it is bad that they have set up themselves for such charges.

    The appointments have happened. They should live with it.

  • ‘How REA is delivering on its mandate’

    The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has worked with the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB) and other donor agencies, in the implementation of its projects. In this interview with JOHN OFIKHENUA, its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi, speaks on the country’s electrification projects.

    Why do you implement projects in universities, urban markets and other cities when there are rural areas in need of electrification?

    The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) was established under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act to increase access to power for unserved and underserved communities through on-grid and off- grid channels. In delivering its mandate, various interventions geared towards the electrification of homes, universities, markets and rural communities were conceptualised and approved for implementation. Although REA has embarked on transformative projects that will improve our higher learning institutions, reduce mortality rates and harmful greenhouse emissions as well as increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it does not mean REA is not implementing projects that will see rural communities accessing and benefiting from clean, affordable and reliable power supply. This objective is key to the REA that it is implementing off-grid and extension of on-grid projects for the rural communities through the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). NEP is an initiative that has  secured $550 million from the World Bank and African Development Bank for solar mini grids and solar home systems at rural communities.

    In addition, under REA, the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) has  started providing electricity to rural communities. Notably, REF recently commissioned an 80 KWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Upake, Kogi State with 11 more solar hybrid mini- grids at various stages of completion and soon to be commissioned. And lastly, the REA’s capital projects, which implement projects to increase access to electricity through on grid and off-grid projects also targets rural communities across Nigeria.

    What informed the making of the Education Electrification Projects (EEP) started late 2017? What is the level of the implementation?

    The Energising Education Programme (EEP) was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016.  It was conceptualised by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and transferred to REA to implement as the ministry’s implementing agency for power generation, access and supply projects. Access to constant power supply in educational institutions and healthcare facilities in Nigeria has been identified as a major challenge and barrier to effective learning, institutional operations, student residencies and access to quality healthcare. Considering the role of education and health in driving socio-economic development, the Federal Government  (through the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing) resolved to embark on viable projects that would ensure the availability of clean, safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to Nigeria’s Federal universities and University Teaching Hospitals.

    Nine universities and one teaching hospital will benefit from EEP Phase 1  while seven universities and two teaching hospitals will benefit from Phase 2 and eight universities Phase 3. Phase 1 is under construction, with Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State already commissioned. Bayero University, Kano State and Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Delta State will be commissioned soon.

    Is it true that some contractors have abandoned some of the projects?

    It must be clarified that REA projects are in varying stages of construction and completion, as evidenced by the projects commissioned recently under the EEP and the REF. Our projects have been tailored with specific delivery timelines depending on the specifications and funding availability.

    Please give an insight into the project you inaugurated at the  Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

    The EEP project has provided the Bayero University, Kano (BUK) with a solar hybrid power plant with an installed capacity of 7.1 mw, which results in 108,875,120lbs of yearly carbon dioxide savings. The project provides over 55,000 BUK students and 3,000 staff with clean and reliable electricity. Also, this project has installed a total of 694 streetlights across 11.41 km of roads, making BUK safer and more secure for students and faculties. This is the second project that will be commissioned under Phase 1 of the EEP. The EEP project is also committed to gender mainstreaming and fostering gender inclusion in the power sector.  In line with this, 20 BUK female students (under the EEP Stem Female Internship Programme) have received comprehensive practical and technical training during the construction phase of this project.

    What level of intervention has REA got from international development agencies and donors?

    REA works with several donor agencies, such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (AFDB), United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development (DFID) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  Our technical partnerships are central to REA’s objectives and best practice project implementation. These collaborations also contribute towards capacity building within the agency.

    How much loan or grant has REA secured so far?

    The World Bank has provided $350 million for the Nigeria Electrification Project while the African Development Bank (AFDB) has provided financing worth $200 million.

    At what interest rate do REA contractors secure loans from  the banks?

    The REA contractors are best suited to provide this information as it pertains to their company’s independent financial arrangement with various lending institutions.

    How transparent are the procurement processes of the REA contracts? Why was the agency accused of EEP contracts scam?

    REA takes legal and regulatory compliance very seriously. Among securing other regulatory approvals on procurement, it secured all the due process certificates of No Objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). Based on BPP compliance, REA awarded contracts to the successful bidders for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the EEP Phase 1 projects and the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) after satisfying regulatory requirements in its procurement process. REA also secured approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to award the said contracts, following its comprehensive and objective review.

    You recently came up with another programme, Energising the Economies Initiative (EEI). What is it about?  

    The Energising Economies Initiative (EEI) is another government intervention that aims to provide clean, safe, affordable and reliable electricity to economic clusters across the country. The project also aims at unlocking power (a key growth barrier for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria) for job creation, enabling over 340,000 (MSMEs) and creating over 2,500 project-related jobs. It specifically seeks to support the rapid deployment of off-grid electricity solutions that will energise and empower economic clusters in Nigeria. Key EEI focus areas are clusters of economic activity, which includes markets, shopping plazas/complexes and industrial clusters. The project is private sector-owned and private sector-led. The Federal Government, through the REA, creates an enabling environment for the implementation of the project.  The first phase consists of 16 markets under implementation and targets 80,000 shops, providing electricity to more than 340,000 SMEs across six geo-political states – Lagos, Kano, Abia, Ondo, Ogun, and Edo. The Energising Economies Initiative is recording significant success with the commissioning of Ariaria, Sabon Gari and Sura markets, where jobs are being created and businesses recording growth. Additionally, the markets are free of harmful generator fumes and noise thanks to the decommissioning of diesel generators. This has resulted in a more conducive and environmental-friendly market environment.

    What is the financial status of the REF?

    The financial status of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) is reasonably healthy. In strict compliance with Federal’s Government regulation, we continue to follow budgetary and financial requirements for REA projects to be sufficiently funded.

    What are the challenges for the REA?  What should Nigerians expect from it this year?

    The REA is implementing many laudable programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood of Nigerians; in trying to achieve this, funding is required. Therefore, the REA is utilising available funding and also exploring alternative funding sources. For instance, Virtus, a private developer, received N446milion funding boost from Sterling Bank to power more markets under the EEI. We are working to mitigate challenges that will result in scaling such financial interventions to other private developers. For the remainder of the year, REA will focus on conducting energy audits at markets across the country to expand the EEI and commission completed projects. The REA has also launched the Nigeria Electrification Project, where we will see the utilisation of the World Bank and AfDB funding for the provision of electricity to communities through mini-grids and solar home systems.  We will implement and scale Phase 2 and 3 of the EEP across Nigeria.

    REA Capital Projects will continue to be implemented to increase electricity access through the national grid as well as other renewable energy sources.Gender empowerment in the power sector is core to REA activities; therefore, its gender-focused workshops are scheduled for this year to encourage female participation in the energy sector.