News
Governor Obaseki denies his deputy statutory official Vehicle, gives Speaker instead
All may not still be well in the relationship between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu inspite of the much publicised reconciliation, apologies and acceptance of apology between the duo, this paper has learnt.
A reliable source at the Edo State government house, who fears to be mentioned to avoid victimisation informed this medium that a Toyota Landcruiser which was bought by the governor for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago has been handed over to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku instead.
Miffed by this development, the source explained that in the first tenure of Governor Obaseki and Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu, only one vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser was bought and allocated to the office of the Deputy Governor and that all the used escort vehicles in the convoy of the Deputy Governor were bought by friends of the deputy governor as support gifts in order not to expose him to unnecessary dangers.
“In the second tenure, the same vehicle allocated to the deputy governor about seven (7) years ago is yet to be replaced. It was because of this that it became obvious when a fast one was played on edolites last week, when in a twist of events, the Governor handed the Speaker a Toyota Landcruiser and a Toyota Hilux, instead of a Lexus sports utility vehicle that was approved for him.
“The Toyota Landcruiser was allegedly bought for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago,” the source explained.
The source lamented that this unfortunate incident where the Governor would deliberately deny the Deputy Governor of the vehicle, which was budgeted and bought in his name for a second tenure saying that the governor has also refused to release the vehicles for the assembly members, despite the N1.8billon approved and disbursed to the Governor to purchase their new vehicles.
He called on the good people of the state to rise against what he called “executive recklessness” which he insists must stop. He advised the governor to release the Toyota Landcruiser belonging to the deputy governor to him as this is statutory to the office.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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