News

Edo Guber: APC Conniving With BEDC To Cut Off Power Supply To Election Collation Centre, PDP Alleges

Published

6 years ago

September 17, 2020

It’s A Cheap Blackmail – BEDC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has raised the alarm over alleged connivance between the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to cut off power supply to election collation centres across the state this Saturday so as to compromise the September 19 election results.

The party also alleged that some APC chieftains from Lagos, in connivance with the party chieftains in the state are planning to deploy private jets and helicopters to move money from outside the state to rig the poll in favour of the APC.

Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, disclosed these in Benin on Wednesday while briefing newsmen in preparation for the election.

According to Nehikhare, ” We are alerting BEDC and its management that we are aware of their plot and Edo people would vehemently resist the role of cooperates in attempting to undermine their will in this election.

” We also want to use this medium to call on the National Electricity Regulatory Company (NERC) to sanction Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), if they go ahead with orders issued by the management, which is in bed with the APC, to cut off power supply to the collation centres across the state at critical times on Saturday, September 19, with a view to compromise the election.

On the allegations of some APC chieftains deploying private jet, Nehikhare has this to say, “The leadership of the APC in Edo State, has gone a step further from the inciting broadcast by sending down helicopters and private jets loaded with money in an attempt to buy our state and annex it as a part of his fiefdom.”

While calling on INEC, observers and other stakeholders in the electoral process to take note of this move and ensure necessary actions are taken to avert the sinister plot to subvert the will of Edo people, the PDP Publicity Secretary urged Edo people vote the party candidate in the September 19 election.

However, in his reaction Public Relations Officer, BEDC, Mr Tayo Adekunle said the allegation was not true, adding that it is a mere blackmail.

He said, ” It is a cheap blackmail. There is no iota of truth. The BEDC is a business entity that is apolitcal”.

Also in a swift response to allegations of APC planning to use private jet to convene money to the systa, John Mayaki, APC governorship candidate spokesman poured ice-cold water on what it called “wild, reckless and panicky allegations.”

Mayaki declared: “To start with when you’re faced with total and crushing defeat, you suddenly begin to see anyone and everyone as your enemy.”

He said Nehikhare’s desperate resort to primitive blackmail against Tinubu was because the APC chieftain was spot on, pointing out Obaseki’s “serious democratic crimes”.

“Is it not true that Obaseki subverted the overwhelming majority of Edo legislators from carrying out their duties? Are those legislators from Lagos? Are they not Edo sons barred from their work by a desperate and thoughtless governor? Did the whole world not see Obaseki and his thugs pour gravel to block off the Edo State House of Assembly and remove the roof, in cynical destruction, which they claimed was repair? “ Mayaki queried.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

27 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.