'I stand by what – 'I stand by what…

'I stand by what – Kemi Badenoch, leader of…

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has reaffirmed her controversial remarks about Nigeria, rejecting criticisms from Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The British politician, known for her forthrightness, described Nigeria as a “socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity” in an earlier statement.

Badenoch’s comments drew sharp criticism from Shettima, prompting a firm response through her spokesperson.

“Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK. She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says,” the spokesperson declared.

Badenoch, born Olukemi Adegoke, has consistently highlighted her Nigerian heritage while addressing systemic challenges within the country.

Her critical stance has sparked debates, with some accusing her of undermining Nigeria’s global image.

In her rebuttal, Badenoch emphasised candour over diplomacy. “Kemi believes in addressing issues with realism. Sugarcoating won’t resolve Nigeria’s challenges,” her spokesperson added.

Born to Nigerian parents, Badenoch adopted her current surname after marrying Hamish Badenoch, a Scottish banker.

Despite her UK political career, her views on Nigeria continue to attract significant attention, igniting discussions on leadership and national reform.

This exchange between Badenoch and Shettima underscores growing tensions over how Nigeria is portrayed on the international stage.

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Lawmaker accuses Benue governor – Lawmaker accuses Benue governor…

Lawmaker accuses Benue governor – The Deputy Spokesman of…

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Honourable Philip Agbese, has raised the alarm over Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia’s alleged deliberate attempts to frustrate developmental projects in the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the National Security Adviser, Agbese called for immediate intervention to salvage his constituency’s progress.

“It is with a heavy heart that I bring to your urgent attention a grave situation that is unfolding in my constituency,” Agbese wrote in his letter dated November 22, 2024.

According to him, Governor Alia’s actions appear to be targeting his office and federal projects initiated to improve the lives of constituents.

Agbese highlighted several projects allegedly obstructed by the governor, including the construction of a Special Needs School, the upgrade of a primary health centre, the renovation of a sports stadium, and the distribution of farm implements.

He lamented the intimidation of contractors and the looting of project materials, describing these as “a blatant act of hostility.”

In a specific incident, Agbese accused Governor Alia, alongside local officials and police, of orchestrating the overnight removal of farming implements meant for distribution to local farmers. Despite reporting the case to the Inspector General of Police, Agbese said no action has been taken.

The lawmaker further criticised Governor Alia for neglecting the three local governments under his representation.

“Governor Alia has failed to execute any project in these areas,” he alleged. Instead, Agbese said the governor uses law enforcement to halt federal initiatives aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Agbese also expressed disappointment over Governor Alia’s hostility despite his support during the governor’s election campaign.

“I financially supported Governor Alia from the moment he became the party’s candidate in 2022 until his victory. Yet, I have never sought personal favours,” he noted.

Calling on President Tinubu to act decisively, Agbese warned that the governor’s actions could undermine the administration’s developmental agenda.

“This trajectory threatens to erode democratic progress,” he stressed, urging the president to advise the governor to prioritise the welfare of Benue citizens.

Agbese concluded by pointing out the lack of tangible achievements under Governor Alia’s administration despite substantial state allocations, a situation he described as “surprising and distressing.”

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Tinubu to Nigerians: 'Don't – Tinubu to Nigerians: 'Don't…

Tinubu to Nigerians: 'Don't – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned Nigerians against expecting an immediate solution to the country’s electricity crisis, highlighting the challenges posed by the outdated power infrastructure.

Speaking during a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, December 11, Tinubu described the national power grid as severely aged, with some transmission lines dating back 50 to 60 years.

His comments came amidst growing frustration over Nigeria’s 12th national grid collapse in 2024.

“Nigeria, being a nation in a hurry, wants a magical response,” Tinubu remarked. “But don’t forget, those transmission lines are about 50 to 60 years old. The snags are what we are trying to improve and reduce the possibility of problems.”

The President acknowledged Siemens Energy’s ongoing efforts to address the crisis under a Nigeria-Germany partnership. However, he stressed the need for comprehensive reforms to modernise the power infrastructure.

“I’ve signed a reform that decentralised the power distribution and generation in the country,” he revealed, adding that states and sub-nationals are already working to generate their own electricity.

Tinubu also urged the adoption of alternative energy sources to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix.

“We need to encourage the deployment of alternative energy to address these challenges,” he said, emphasising collaboration to mitigate future grid failures.

The President’s remarks reflect the federal government’s broader push to decentralise power generation and encourage localised energy solutions, even as citizens demand urgent relief from chronic blackouts.

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