News

Disclose Debt Profile Of The State, Orbih Tackles Obaseki

Published

6 years ago

January 13, 2020

Editor

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, Sunday, challenged governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to publicly declare debt profile of the state as at when he came to power and present.

Orbih, who spoke at the grand finale of the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour in Fugar, described Edo State as the second most indebted state in the country.

He said, “I want to challenge Governor Godwin Obaseki to disclose the state of indebtedness to the people of the state. Indebtedness as when he took over power and as of today. Somebody just wisper to my hear that he has evidence to show that Edo State is the second most indebted state in Nigeria today.”

Former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe (left) and Chief Dan Orbih, PDP chairman, Edo State (right) during the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour at Fugar on Sunday

Stating that Edo State treasury has been emptied by the ruling APC, Orbih called on gobernosrhip aspirants under the party to prepare for the worst when the party eventually assume office.

He said governorship aspirants under the PDP are crops of young men who have what it takes to rule the state, stressing that the PDP is the only party that can deliver dividence of democracy and profer solution to the challenges of the state.

L-R: Dan Orbih, PDP Chairman Edo State; Senator Victor Oyaifo and High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, chairman of the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour at Fugar on Sunday

“The present governorship aspirants under the PDP are crops of young men who have what it takes to rule the state. But I want to use this occasion to send a strong signals to our governorship aspirants that as they prepare for the governorship primaries, they must put at the back of their minds that when PDP comes back to government, they are going to face very serious problem because they are going to inherit an empty treasury”, Orbih added.

Speaking on the incessant fire outbreaks that occure in the state, the PDP chairman lamented that resources the state government ought to use in procurement of fire fighting equipment are been expended on the internal crisis rocking the ruling party.

He noted, “I want to use this opportunity to call on the government to do something urgent so that there will be permanent end to fire incident in the state. A lot of people have lost so much in these market fire outbreaks, and I believe and will be speaking with authority to call on Godwin Obaseki that he should direct the resources of the state to finding lasting solution to the problems of the state. And let them put aside their internal crisis. What the government is using in fighting their internal crisis is enough to purchase fire fighting equipment for our fire fighters.”

Also speaking, Deputy National Woman leader of the PDP, Umoru Adizet Hadizat, said leaders of the party have resolved to stop the tactics of rigging of the ruling party, lamenting that though the PDP did win past elections in the area, the APC successfully rigged them.

She urged the people present at the event to “go out like missionaries and preach the gospel of PDP as the only party that can deliver dividence of democracy to the people.”

A cross section of PDP supporters during the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour at Fugar on Sunday

She said, ” You can see there is hardship in the land. People are not happy because they are frustrated by the hardship brought by this government. We want you to therefore go out as missionaries and tell the people that the PDP is the only party that can rescue them.”

Chairman of the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour, High Chief Raymond addressing PDP supporters during the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour at Agenebode on Sunday

Chairman of the Tour, High Chief Raymond, on behalf of leadership of the party urged the party to allocate the deputy gobernosrhip position to the Senatorial District, stressing that this will inspire the people in the area to vote massively for the party.

He noted that the PDP has no division but has resolved to work together as one with a view to winning the forthcoming election.

News

JUST IN: NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA Shut As PENGASSAN Begins Strike

Published

38 minutes ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Monday paralysed operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The industrial action, which followed the weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdrawing their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

It was observed that at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving several employees stranded outside the premises. Security operatives on duty confirmed that no staff were allowed entry, in line with the strike directive issued by the union.

Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the busy Central Business District were completely grounded as workers fully complied with the industrial action.

Confirming the situation, the PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” effectively restricting access to staff and visitors.

He added that his colleagues had also enforced 100 per cent compliance at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies.

PENGASSAN said the strike became inevitable after the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. This move is expected to choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices.

On Sunday, PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike, instructing all its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease all services starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The union also directed members stationed in various field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil.

In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed workers had been replaced by foreigners.

“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”

The development has heightened fears of fuel scarcity and blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol while the midstream and downstream authority regulates supply and distribution. Similarly, NUPRC is responsible for monitoring crude production and enforcing gas supply obligations to power plants.

All eyes are now on Monday’s emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. Whether dialogue can restore calm or whether Nigeria plunges deeper into crisis may depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise.

News

‘We Cure Madness With Madness’: Five Things To know About Taye Currency

Published

13 hours ago

September 28, 2025

Editor

The name ‘Taye Currency’ has continued to trend on social media following the Fuji music artiste’s performance at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Friday.

Taye Currency, during his performance at the coronation event which took place at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, rendered a line in Yoruba, “Were la fi n wo were,” which translates to “we cure madness with madness.”

The line, which seems not to have sat well with many Nigerians, particularly those of Yoruba heritage, has continued to generate a lot of criticism, with many opining that such lyrics were not befitting for the occasion, which had in attendance dignitaries including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and other crème de la crème of society.

Reacting to the development, the Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, criticised Taye Currency for what he described as “classless and unbefitting lyrics.”

According to him, the musician failed to accord the coronation its due respect, describing his lyrics as unbefitting of the sacred ceremony.

He said, “The throne of our ancestors is not a stage for mockery, nor the coronation of a great monarch a subject for careless entertainment.

“Kingship is sacred, adorned with honor and guarded by tradition. It demands reverence, dignity, honor, class and the utmost respect from all who stand in its presence.

“Listening to the musician (Taye Currency), who was invited to render music before the Crown, as a matter of fact before the entire world, to serenade the audience and sing in a way to express admiration, singing songs like (were lafi n wo were) We use madness to cure madness.

“Such lyrics were classless and unbefitting of such occasions, it is insulting to the sacredness of the gathering.”

While Taye Currency is well known among Fuji music lovers, especially those from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, his performance at the Olubadan coronation has made people want to know more about him.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five things to know about the trending Fuji musician.

1. Full Name and Age

His full name is Taye Akande Adebisi. Apart from his popular stage name, Taye Currency, he is also known as ‘Apesin.’ He celebrated his 50th birthday on December 17, 2024.

2. Appointment as Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, appointed him as Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism in 2019 during the governor’s first tenure.

3. Father of a Lawmaker

In 2019, Taye Currency’s son, Yusuf Oladeni Adebisi, was elected into the Oyo State House of Assembly to represent Ibadan South-West Constituency 1, which earned Taye Currency another nickname, ’Baba Honorable’ (Honourable’s father). He was re-elected in 2023 as a lawmaker on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

4. Financial Setback

In April 2025, Taye Currency publicly lamented that he lost N10 million to CBEX, a crypto/investment scheme many now regard as a collapsed Ponzi platform. He explained that he was convinced to invest by close associates, only to see the scheme crumble shortly after.

5. Affiliation with Pasuma

Taye Currency has often maintained that although he never learnt Fuji music from his senior colleague, Wasiu Alabi Odetona, popularly known as Pasuma, whom he first met in 1993, he still considers him a boss.

News

JUST IN: PENGASSAN Strike May Trigger Nationwide Blackout, Thermal Plants Shut Down

Published

15 hours ago

September 28, 2025

Editor

Nigerians may face a nationwide blackout from Monday as power generation companies have raised the alarm over an imminent shutdown of thermal plants following directives from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generating Companies, Joy Ogaji, raised the alarm over the imminent blackout in a WhatsApp message on Sunday.

She revealed that gas suppliers had issued notices to halt supply to thermal power stations in line with PENGASSAN’s strike resolution.

“Good day, all. Thermal GenCos have received notification from our gas suppliers to shut down our thermal power plants following directives from PENGASSAN. The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company has specifically requested GenCos to comply,” Ogaji said in the post.

She warned that the development could plunge the country into darkness, as hydroelectric dams alone cannot sustain the national grid.

“Please all be notified of the imminent darkness, as hydros alone cannot sustain the system,” she added.

The warning comes hours after PENGASSAN announced that it would commence a nationwide strike on Monday to protest the dismissal of over 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The oil workers’ union, after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, directed its members in all oil and gas installations to down tools until the sackings were reversed.

The action could cripple crude production, fuel supply, gas distribution and now electricity generation, worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians.

With thermal stations accounting for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity supply, industry experts say the shutdown will trigger widespread outages, stretch hydro plants beyond capacity and heighten the risk of a nationwide system collapse.