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Ex-Rep member, Wole Diya dies few days to 64th birthday

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Ex-Rep member, Wole Diya dies few days to 64th birthday
Late Wole Diya
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A former member of the House of Representatives (Somolu Federal Constituency), Wole Diya is dead, The Nation has learnt.

He was aged 63.

Diya, a two-term representative of Somolu Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, died early Friday, August 9th, 2024.

Diya was a younger brother to former Chief of Defence Staff, Late General Oladipo Diya.

He was also a two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Somolu State Constituency I.

Confirming his demise, the Chairman, Bariga Local Council, Hon. Kolade Alabi David said: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, political associates, and the members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the passing of Hon. Oyewole Babafemi Diya.

“Hon. Wole Diya, a former Lagos State House of Assembly Member representing Somolu, later went on to represent Somolu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

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“His exemplary leadership extended beyond politics, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Also, Chairman, Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu ‘Dullar’ said: “The news of the demise of our amiable leader, Hon. Oyewole Babafemi Diya, is a shocking one we are still viewing as a mirage. His passing leaves a deep void in our hearts and in the fabric of our community. Hon. Diya was a perfect gentleman, a leader who exemplified humility, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the people he served.

“Hon. Diya was more than just a political leader within the All Progressives Congress; he was a true champion of the people, always prioritizing the needs of his constituents and the community at large. His concern for the well-being of others set him apart as a leader of remarkable empathy and vision.”

In his tribute, Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Oluwaseun Osiyemi said: “It’s deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Honorable Wole Diya, a rare gem and a true champion of the community.

“A man with an unwavering commitment to public service as well as a party loyalist leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of many.

“Honorable Diya was not only a dedicated party man but also a visionary leader who tirelessly advocated for change and development in our society.

“His kindness, wisdom, and integrity will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

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Fubara cancels Ibas’s N134bn Rivers Secretariat contract, demands refund of N20bn

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Fubara suspends Rivers LGA caretaker committee boss
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara
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The Rivers State Government has cancelled a N134 billion contract awarded by the former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.

The decision was taken during the State Executive Council meeting presided by Governor Sim Fubara on Thursday.

The contract was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, during the period of emergency rule under Ibas

The Council, after the cancellation, ordered CCECC to refund the N20 billion mobilisation fee already paid for the project.

Similarly, the Council approved the establishment of a six-member committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof.l Ngozi Odu to assess and recommend suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test centres across the state to support external examinations.

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Tariff: EERC, SEECA, ANED, Mainpower lock horns over ₦160/kWh Order

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Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), on  Thursday held a public hearing on the petition filed by MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, which is seeking a review of the Commission’s Tariff Order issued in July 2025.

The event, which took place at the International Conference Centre (pICC), Enugu, brought together major stakeholders in the state’s power sector, including representatives of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), consumer advocacy groups, and regulatory officials.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission,  Chijioke Okonkwo, outlined the historical and regulatory context that led to the current tariff structure.

He recalled that following the enactment of the Electricity Act, 2023, which empowered states to regulate electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within their territories, Enugu State therefore established its own regulatory framework.

Okonkwo pointed out that  the Enugu State government first prepared a policy document which led to the passage of the Enugu State Electricity Law, specifically designed for the benefit of Enugu citizens. “Pursuant to that law, commissioners for the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission were appointed, enabling the state to formally seek regulatory transfer from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).”

According to him, Enugu officially assumed full regulatory responsibility for electricity services on October 22, 2024, after a six-month transition period approved by NERC.

He explained that part of the transition process required the creation of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, a subsidiary that took over the assets, liabilities, and operations of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) within the state.

“We subsequently licensed MainPower and issued it a tariff order governing electricity operations in Enugu State,” Okonkwo said, pointing out, “That order, issued on July 18, 2025, and effective August 1, 2025, was the result of extensive assessment and fair consideration of the company’s assets and liabilities.”

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He said the ₦160 per kilowatt-hour tariff was “prudently determined” after examining various cost parameters, including customer numbers and distribution efficiency.

“However, MainPower later petitioned against the order, expressing disagreement with some of the assumptions and parameters used,” he said. “We considered it inappropriate to amend the order unilaterally and instead opted for this public hearing in line with our business rules — to ensure transparency, fairness, and public participation.”

In his presentation, the Managing Director, Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited.Dr. Ernest Mupwaya,  argued that the EERC did not follow due process in issuing the July 18, 2025 tariff order.

The company maintained that the Commission ignored its own business rules by releasing a tariff order without a bilateral agreement between both parties and by “cherrypicking numbers” that did not reflect operational realities.

“An independent audit firm, KPMG, reviewed the process and confirmed that the parameters used by EERC were wrong,” Mupwaya said.

“We urge the Commission to adopt the actual data presented to it, rather than assumptions, to ensure a fair and sustainable tariff framework.”

The firm claimed that the current ₦160/kWh tariff was inconsistent with prevailing costs in the national electricity market and was unsustainable for its operations.

Siding Mainpower that EERC’s was arbitrary, Barr. Sunday Oduntan, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), cautioned against setting tariffs below the actual cost of energy supplied to the state.

“In this industry, we are distributors, not generators,” Oduntan noted. “We buy electricity from those who produce it, and there is always a landing cost associated with that product.”

He explained that while the Electricity Act 2023 allows states to regulate electricity within their borders, they must still respect market realities when sourcing power from the national grid.

“Until Enugu begins generating its own electricity — for instance, from coal — it cannot fix arbitrary prices for a product that comes from outside its borders,” he said. “The cost must reflect the true landing cost, which the NERC currently calculates at about ₦209 per kilowatt-hour for Band A customers.”

Oduntan warned that setting tariffs below cost could reintroduce the burden of subsidies.

“If the cost price is higher than the regulated price, we must ask who pays the shortfall — are we going back to the era of subsidy?” he queried.

Touched by high electricity tariff, the South-East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA), in its submission to the Commission, strongly opposed MainPower’s petition, insisting that the ₦160/kWh tariff should be retained.

In a memorandum signed by its Enugu State Chairperson, Patience Ifebuche Chukwu, SEECA argued that the EERC followed due process and provided fair hearing before issuing the tariff order.

“Records show that before the Tariff Order was made, a series of meetings and submissions were held between EERC and MainPower,” SEECA stated. “Fair hearing is not an automatic principle to be invoked at convenience. A party that had the opportunity to be heard cannot later claim denial.”

The association dismissed MainPower’s claim of ₦1.3 billion monthly losses, countering that electricity consumers had endured greater hardships due to erratic power supply, estimated billing, and poor service delivery.

“Consumers have suffered loss of lives, spoiled goods, and business closures. These losses far outweigh any purported loss claimed by the petitioner,” the group said, calling for the abolition of the controversial Band classification system, which it described as “discriminatory.”

SEECA recommended that if any review must be done, the tariff should not exceed ₦165/kWh.

On the way forward, the EERC said the submissions made at the public hearing would be thoroughly reviewed before any final decision is taken on the petition.

Mr. Okonkwo reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to balancing the interests of both operators and consumers through fair, transparent, and evidence-based regulation.

“Our goal,” he said, “is to ensure that operators receive fair value for their services while consumers get commensurate value for every naira they pay. Whatever decisions we make will be guided by fairness, transparency, and sustainability.”

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Kogi govt demolishes bandits’ camps, arrests two injured bandits

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The two arrested suspects
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The Kogi State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Ododo, has intensified its crackdown on banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

In a major operation, the combined security forces, led by the State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), demolished and set ablaze bandits’ camps and hideouts in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas.

Speaking to journalists at the location on Thursday, Omodara said two wounded bandits and their fake doctors were apprehended in a settlement in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu LGA.

Omodara said acting on intelligence information, the security agencies, arrested two wounded bandits who were receiving treatment from local doctors in the settlements.

The doctors, who were treating the bandits, were also apprehended.

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According to Omodara, the bandits had sustained gunshot injuries in a previous encounter with security forces.

Following the arrest, Governor Ododo directed that the bandits’ camps and settlements be wiped out.

Acting on the governor’s directive, the combined security forces demolished the camps, including a makeshift clinic, and destroyed the bandits’ farmland and farm produce”.

Omodara emphasised that the security agencies have saturated the state, making it difficult for bandits to hide.

He warned that anyone caught perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals would be dealt with, regardless of their status or identity.

“We received intel that two bandits were receiving treatment in a settlement in Aherin-Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu LGA.

“We swiftly deployed security personnel and arrested the two wounded bandits.

The Governor directed that any house used for treating bandits should be demolished.

We’re arresting fake doctors treating them and warning that anyone perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals will be dealt with, regardless of their status.

“We will not accept that and we are not going to allow it,” Omodara said.

Omodara stressed that the operation is part of the Kogi State Government’s ongoing onslaught against banditry and other criminal activities, which is yielding unprecedented results.

“Gov. Ahmed Ododo reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state,” he said.

The combined security forces, led by Omodara, demolished and torched the bandits’ camps, farmlands, and produce in the major crackdown operation on Thursday.

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