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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Herbalist slaughters his 41-day-old – Herbalist slaughters his 41-day-old…

Herbalist slaughters his 41-day-old – A 41-day-old baby has…

A 41-day-old baby has been tragically killed in what is believed to be a ritualistic murder in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The police arrested Ifagbenga Taiwo, a herbalist-in-training, in connection with the infant’s death. The incident happened on Monday, December 9, 2024, in the Keesi area of Adatan, where the baby’s mother, Raimat Wasilat, had left her son lying on a bed inside their home while she went outside to wash clothes.

When Wasilat returned, she was horrified to find her baby’s lifeless body with a slit throat. Neighbours, drawn by her screams, rushed to the scene and discovered that the infant had been murdered while she was away. 

Adewumi, a local resident, shared that the assailant had likely entered through the window to carry out the brutal act. “The mother had been washing clothes outside when she came back and found her baby dead. It was clear that someone had entered the house and slit the baby’s throat,” Adewumi said in a video recorded at the scene.

The baby’s maternal grandfather, Mukaila Olaide, also spoke of the terrifying discovery. “We were some distance away when we heard the commotion. When we arrived, we found the baby slaughtered,” he recalled.

According to the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omolola Odutola, the mother, Wasilat, has accused her husband, Ifagbenga Taiwo, of committing the crime. She claims that Taiwo, who is studying to become a herbalist, may have intended to use the baby’s blood for ritual purposes. 

The police confirmed that Taiwo was arrested shortly after the mother’s allegations, and the crime scene was examined.An investigation is ongoing to uncover further details surrounding this horrific crime, with the infant’s body sent for an autopsy. The community remains in shock over the tragic loss.

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Adelabu confirms FG's crucial – Adelabu confirms FG's crucial…

Adelabu confirms FG's crucial – Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister…

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, says the Federal Government is collaborating with the Republic of Germany to enhance electricity supply in the country.

The Minister made this statement while briefing State House Correspondents after a bilateral meeting between President Bola Tinubu and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The name of the game now is cooperation, collaboration, and partnership.

“The flagship of this bilateral relationship is the Presidential Power Initiative, with Siemens implementing both the Brownfield and Greenfield transmission substations,” Adelabu said.

He added that since the signing of the agreement in Dubai at COP 28 in December 2023, significant progress has been made.

“The pilot phase of the project, which is 80 per cent complete, involves the importation, installation, and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 power mobile substations,” he explained.

Adelabu noted that this development had added 750 megawatts to Nigeria’s transmission grid capacity, which had contributed to the relative stability seen in the grid.

“We expect an additional 150 megawatts capacity to be added upon the completion of the entire pilot phase by the end of the year.

“The first phase of the project includes the rehabilitation of 14 existing (brownfield) substations and the establishment of 23 new Greenfield substations across the country,” he said.

Additionally, Adelabu discussed the focus on renewable energy as the way forward for Nigeria.

“We have an energy transition plan aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060. To achieve this, we must collaborate and partner,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of working with countries like Germany, which has the necessary technology.

“We have the sun. Over 30 states in Nigeria experience a minimum of 10 hours of sunshine daily. Germany has the technology.

“We also have wind energy, desert wind up north and coastal wind-down south,” Adelabu explained.

He also noted that the new highway from Lagos to Calabar was opening up opportunities for offshore wind energy across the nine coastal states.

Adelabu further highlighted that the new road from Badagry to Sokoto would provide better access to hydroelectric power plants, mentioning that Nigeria has over 300 dams that have not been utilised for hydroelectric power due to poor access.

“Many of these dams will also be opened up,” he added.

He said that the German International Agency for Development was supporting Nigeria’s grid extension and renewable energy initiatives.

He also noted that numerous German companies and private investors were ready to invest in Nigeria’s renewable energy sectors, including solar, wind, and hydropower.

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