…Says Nigeria Faces Existential Crises

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 general election in Nigeria, Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria’s problems are far bigger than the crises that his party is presently experiencing.

He made the remarks during an appearance on HaveYourSay247, an interactive online session with Nigerians.

The former Anambra State governor told the host Rudolf Okonkwo that though he doesn’t have control over the Labour Party, he is confident that the crises rocking it will soon be resolved amicably. “Whatever is happening in the Labour Party is so minute compared to what is happening in the country.

“So, for me, it is something we will resolve amicably, and it is not anything to worry about. Let’s worry about the country and how the average Nigeria would be able to have a means of livelihood to feed themselves,” he said.

During the session, the former governor of Anambra State also spoke extensively on sundry issues. Commenting on insinuations that he does not use his influence as the leader of the Labour Party to ensure the party conducts itself orderly, Mr Obi said that he has no interest in being the party’s leader but only to make sure things are done properly. “We have a more desperate situation to make the party function properly.

Parties are just a means of contesting elections, and being the leader of a party does not reduce the price of food. What I want to see is that the average Nigerian lives in a society where they have access to education, access to healthcare, and a means of livelihood,” Obi said.

He also reiterated that he has moved on with the Supreme Court’s final decision on the presidential election, even though he does not agree with it.

On the need for the Labour Party to make accounts of campaign funds available to the public, Obi said that he could only encourage everyone who received funds to account for them.

“The party account is not under my control,” he explained. “We have appointed an external auditor to look into it, and anytime they come up with their results, we will make it public. Monies were received by different groups, and I have said that people who received money should account for it. You have seen one of the campaign accounts managed by Aisha Yesufu, which she has made public. We have asked everyone at all levels who collected campaign funds to account for it. It is necessary.”

The presidential candidate further said that he is going to the places where people think they made donations to say thank you. “If I received their donation, I would let them know, and if I didn’t, I would also let them know so they will know who they gave it to and ask questions.”

Responding to a question on whether he would be willing to tell Nigerians about his assets, the former governor said he couldn’t talk about his assets because he was not in power. “It is not necessary for me to say my assets, but what I can tell Nigerians is that I am not a poor man, and nobody can accuse me of stealing government money,” he said.

By Augustine Akhilomen

..Calls For Extensive Reset Of Lagos Island CBD

The Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, IDU, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN has sympathized with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and those affected by the devastating fire incident that struck the popular Dosunmu Market on Lagos Island last week.

Kazeem, who visited the scene of the fire incident with members of the IDU, on Sunday, lauded the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu in addressing the aftermath of the fire incident by ordering the clearing of shanties and unauthorized structures in the area.

The former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, assured that the Union will stand in solidarity with those affected and support efforts to rebuild and reset the CBD.

He also highlighted the readiness of the Isale Eko Descendants Union to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalization of the community.

“As we reflect on the devastating impact of the fire at Dosunmu Market, let us remember the resilience and strength of the community. Let us stand in solidarity with those affected and support efforts to rebuild and reset the CBD. Together, we can create a safer, more vibrant, and prosperous future for all.

“As Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, I affirm our unwavering commitment to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalization of our community. Our collective goal is to transform Lagos Island into a livable, thriving hub that we can all take pride in. By working together, we can rebuild, rejuvenate, and ensure a offering future for future generations.

“In the face of adversity, let us stand united, determined to turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for Dosunmu Market and all its residents,” Kazeem said.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria said it has fully restored the national electricity grid which collapsed in the early hours of Monday.

This was announced by the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement Monday afternoon.

Earlier, the grid collapsed from 2,583.77MW at 2 am on Monday to 64.7MW around 3 am.

This makes it the sixth time the power grid collapsed in 2024.

However, Mbah said the collapse of the national grid was caused by a fire outbreak at the Afam power generating station.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announces the full restoration of the national grid following a fire incident at the Afam power generating station, which caused a partial disturbance of the nation’s grid.

“At 02:41Hrs today, 15th April 2024, a fire erupted at the Afam V 330kV bus bar coupler, leading to the tripping of units at Afam III and Afam VI. This resulted in a sudden generation loss of 25MW and 305MW respectively, destabilizing the grid and causing a partial collapse.

“During the incident, the Ibom Power plant was isolated from the grid and was supplying parts of the Port Harcourt Region. This further minimized the effect of the system disturbance. TCN confirms that the affected section of the grid has been fully restored and stabilised,” she said.

She added that the company would continue to invest in measures that will strengthen the grid infrastructure.

“TCN reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the resilience and reliability of the national grid and pledges to continue investing in measures aimed at strengthening the grid infrastructure,” the statement concluded,” she assured.