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TCN Suspends Power Firms For Breaching Market Rules

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced the suspension of three electricity distribution companies for breach of market rules.
The affected companies are APLE Electric Limited, Kano and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies.
Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said that these rules govern and sanitise the Nigerian electricity supply industry.
According to her, the Market Operator is mindful of the need to ensure the continued sustenance of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, which requires strict adherence to market rules and the application of sanctions where necessary.
READ ALSO: Electricity: TCN, DisCos Trade Blames Over Sector’s Poor Performance
She said that due diligence was observed by the MO before issuing the suspension/disconnection order, which is in accordance with procedures of the rules guiding the market.
”This is to ensure the preservation of the market and that non-compliant participants are held accountable for their actions.
”The APLE Electric Limited was found to be in non-compliance with the Market Rules for not having adequate Bank Guaranty and for incomplete payments of APL’s MO’s invoices from September 2022 to February 2023.
”As per the market rules, the MO first sent a request for a bank guarantee to APLE on November 29, 2022,” she said.
Mbah said that the company failed to provide the required bank guarantee, consequently, a Notice of Event of Default was issued to APLE on Dec 7, 2022, for incomplete payment of issued invoices.
READ ALSO: 2023: Insecurity, Erratic Electricity, Fuel Scarcity Persist As APC Seeks Fresh Mandate
“Following the notice of event of default, a Notice of Intent to Issue a suspension order was issued on Dec. 14, 2022, based on the market rules.
“APLE requested a hearing, which was held online on Dec. 20, 2022, where APLE was given an opportunity to show just cause why it should not be issued a Suspended/Disconnected Order.
“After the hearing, a 14-business day notice was issued on March 21 in three (3) national daily newspapers (Daily Trust, Guardian & Thisday) as required by the market rules. Thereafter, a suspension order was issued on April 19, which required APLE to cure its defaults,” she said.
Mbah said that the disconnection order was carried out on April 20 in line with the market rules.
She added that this order resulted in the disconnection of the Feeders within the APLE franchise area until such a time that they provide the required bank guarantee and settle their outstanding invoices with the MO.
READ ALSO: Reverse Unlawful Electricity Tariff Hike, Group Tells Buhari
Mbah also said that the Kaduna and Kano DisCos were equally found to be in non-compliance with the market rules for not having adequate bank guarantees and for incomplete payments of their MO invoices for the time-line January 2020 to February 2023.
She said that both companies were sent a request for their bank guarantees in line with the market rules, on Feb. 16, 2022, and they failed to provide the required bank guarantees.
“Consequently, a notice of an event of default was issued on March 2, 2022, for incomplete payment of invoices,” she said.
Mbah stated that the notice of the event was followed by a notice of intent to issue a suspension order, issued on May 9, 2022.
“Both DisCos requested for hearing which were held on May 31, 2022, (KEDCO) and June 2, 2022 (KAEDCO), where both DisCos were given an opportunity to show just cause not to be suspended/disconnected.
“After the hearing, a 14-business day notice was issued on March 21, 2023, in three national daily newspapers (Daily Trust, Guardian & Thisday newspapers), as required by the market rules.”
NAN
News
Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.
A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.
“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.
READ ALSO: Benin Monarch To Tinubu’s Daughter: Do You Know Role Of Iyeki In Benin Culture?
“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”
The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA
News
JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New Heads For Key Agencies
“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”
Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.
READ ALSO:DSS Arraigns Sowore Over Anti-Tinubu Post
The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.
The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.
Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.
News
UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.
The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.
In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.
Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.
READ ALSO:UNIBEN Bars 5000 Students From Writing Exam
“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.
He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.
“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.
According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.
READ ALSO:UNIBEN Releases Screening Results, Begins Admission Process
“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.
“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.
He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.
READ ALSO:UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor
“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.
Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.
“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.
“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.
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