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Minister Lists Factors Limiting Power Sector Growth In Nigeria

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The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Wednesday, pointed at the refusal of electricity consumers to pay their bills and energy theft as some of the factors limiting the growth of the power sector in the country.

The Minister who spoke in Abuja when he received members of the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), Civil Committee on Energy, also blamed the current challenges facing the sector on “past actions or inactions of past administrations”.

He however noted that steps taken by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the past one year have placed the sector on the path of growth, stressing that transiting to a cost reflective tariff would lead to stable power supply.

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According to him, “What we have seen in the power sector today is the reflection of the actions and inactions of past administrations. Over 60 years of our existence since independence, we have not done the right thing for the power sector.

READ ALSO: Protest: I Mean Well For President Tinubu – Says Bauchi Governor

“Which is why as a nation of 220 million people, we are still running around 5,000 megawatts of power. It is shameful. South Korea, 49 million people, has 130,000 megawatts of power.”

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Chief Adelabu noted that “three things that I feel that frustrate the modest achievements that we have today are, one, refusal of electricity consumers to pay their bills. There is nobody that wants to do a business and is not paid for the business. They will close shop.

“We hit 5,155 megawatts of power on the 9th of August. The highest in three years. We met around 4,000MW, even less than 4,000MW when we resumed. This is just a year. That’s about 27% increase.

“It’s quite commendable. But the only way is that it must be sustainable. Yes, so to sustain it, consumers must be ready to pay.

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“Number two, power theft should be discouraged. And civil societies need to be sensitized that when you see something, you say something.

READ ALSO: Women Protest Half-Naked Over Incessant Killings In Ondo Community
“A lot of welders work over night. They just hang their wires at 12 midnight when everbody is sleeping. A lot of people bypass meters. All these will not serve the sector.

“And lastly is vandalization. We need to desist from it. Transmission lines, transformers and other power infrastructures are being vandalised daily. The police and other security agencies are trying but it is the people themselves that can protect these facilities. Yes. So we need to keep sensitizing them so that our assets will be protected”.

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Earlier, the Leader Civil Military Cooperation (CIMICO) Civil Committee on Energy, Mr. Adams Otakwu harped on the need to protect power sector infrastructures as one of the ways to ensure energy security for the country.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s economic growth was dependent on adequate power supply.

He therefore pledged the groups support for the Federal Government’s effort to end power sector infrastructure vandalism and energy theft.

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Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

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Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.

Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.

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He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.

READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

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“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.

“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

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Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

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The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.

The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.

She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.

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“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

READ ALSO:Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.

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In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.

She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.

“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.

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READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.

“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”

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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

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Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

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The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph

The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.

The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.

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Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.

READ ALSO:CSOs, Academia, Impacted Communities Launch Climate Justice Campaign In Edo

Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.

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“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”

“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.

“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: NSCDC Commandant, Slumps, Dies In Edo

“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.

“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.

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On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.

Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”

READ ALSO:NSCDC Mining Marshals Smash Illegal Mineral Storage Network In Rivers

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“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.

“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.

Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.

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It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.

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