Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • Firm asks court to stop Ministry of Power from terminating N39.1bn metering project

    Firm asks court to stop Ministry of Power from terminating N39.1bn metering project

     

    A metering company, Ziklagsis Network Ltd, has prayed a Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the Federal Ministry of Power and others from revoking the N39.1 billion meant for metering contract.

    Ziklagsis Network Ltd, the plaintiff, filed the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/576/2024, through its lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, before Justice James Omotosho.

    The plaintiff sues the Federal Government of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Power, Minister of Power, Debt Management Office, Providus Bank Ltd and De-Haryor Global Services Ltd as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

    The suit sought the sum of N1.1 billion in damages and for the cost of filing for the defendants’ alleged interference with the project, which it was granted the loan to execute and repay in seven years.
    The company argued that based on Articles 3, 4,5,6,10, and 18(i),(ii),(iii),24 and 29(ii) of the Judgement Compromise Agreement it entered with the Power Ministry on Aug. 28, 2017, the ministry and the Federal Government had no power to withhold N39.1 billion granted it for the supply of electric meters in Nigeria.
    Ziklagsis attributed the cause of its non-execution of the contract to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    It submitted that there were calculated attempts by the Federal Government and the ministry to frustrate and sabotage its efforts in the performance of the terms of the Revalidated Tripartite Agreement as modified by the Addendum No. 2, “which attempts are done in utter bad faith with the ultimate end of truncating and or divesting the plaintiff of the benefit of the project.”
    The firm further submitted that the defendants frustrated its efforts to execute the project by refusing to release the funds despite being awarded the contract and receiving the presidential approval on the compliance on its part.
    In their joint response to the suit, the Federal Government and the Minister of Power argued that they acted in accordance with the agreement
    Also in its counter affidavit, Providus Bank, through its lawyer, Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, described some of the averments in Ziklagsis’ affidavit as false and full of half-truths to mislead the court.
    The bank said it was not aware of the terms of the agreement the company reached with the ministry.
    According to the bank, the 5th defendant (Providus Bank) is not a party to the contract between the plaintiff and the 2nd respondent (ministry), its only relationship with the plaintiff is simply of a bank and customer with a fixed deposit account.
    Similarly, in a counter affidavit, an electricity installation company, De-Haryor Global Services Ltd, informed the court that the suit was “brought in bad faith, and the court should not lend support for the plaintiff (Ziklagsis)’s action but should rather condemn it.”
    In a reply through its counsel, Marcus Abu of the Justice Advocates, De-Haryor submitted that the contract was awarded to Ziklagsis to cushion the effects of the hardship faced by Nigerians in the estimated energy billing through the deployment of free pre-paid meters but the company denied Nigerians the benefit of the project.
    It added that Ziklagsis had not placed anything before the court to demonstrate what it had done pursuant to its Exhibit ZNL 5 agreement while De-Haryor, on the other hand, had substantially executed the contract it had with it.
    “By the provision of Article 5(d) of the JCA, the plaintiff (Ziklagsis) was given two years of moratorium within which to supply or provide electric meters in Nigeria according to the JCA,” De-Haryor said.
    “Meanwhile, the plaintiff (Ziklagsis) did not invest any funds in the performance of same but the 1st and 3rd defendants (Federal Government and Minister of Power) had already given the sum of over N39 billion to the plaintiff for the execution of the metering project.
    “Rather than perform its obligation under the contract, the plaintiff deposited the said sum in a fixed deposit.”
    It argued that the mere fact that the Federal Government and Minister of Power had already paid the contract sum to Ziklagsis showed that the defendants had performed their obligations under the said contract.
    “On the other hand, the plaintiff depositing the contract sum in a fixed deposit account is a clear indication that it had no intention to utilise the contract sum for the project intended by the JCA.
    “Rather than declaring estoppel against the defendants as prayed in relief 1, the court should declare that the contract is already discharged by the plaintiff’s breach,” it prayed.
    While questioning the plaintiff’s metering service agreement it executed with the Yola Disco and received the letter of drawdown from the Ministry of Power without supplying a single meter towards the project, it asked if the world was still being ravaged with COVID-19 pandemic till the time of filing this suit.
    “It is common knowledge that COVID-19 did not last the whole of the year 2020,” De-Haryor said.

    Justice Omotosho fixed Feb. 4 for the hearing of the suit.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that De-Haryor joined the suit as an interested party after delivering on phase one of the barracks metering project for the Nigerian Army under the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) metering project.

  • Hospitals in Akwa Ibom indulge in organ harvesting; 750,000 children trafficked – NAPTIP

     

    NATIONAL Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP has accused some medical centres and personnel of indulging in organ harvesting in what has become a booming trade in Akwa Ibom state.

    The State Zonal Coordinator of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, made the startling allegation Saturday in Uyo as stakeholders marked the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025 themed, “Strengthening Communities by Connecting the Dots”

    Represent by Eme Inionong Ukpabio, Head, Public Enlightenment NAPTIP, Akwa Ibom, Awhen captured that approximately 750,000 to one million children were abducted in Akwa Ibom for trafficking and other exploitative purposes between 2021 and 2024.

    Awhen further disclosed the agency’s arrest of one suspect for organ harvesting, having secured 60 convictions of human trafficking offenders under the period in review with 15 cases pending in court.

    He said, “The arrest we had on organ harvesting, the person involved is not an Akwa Ibomite. So when we have such a case, we refer to the mother state the suspect comes from. Ours is just do the job and do a referral to the command that covers the person’s state where justice will take it course.

    “Organ harvesting is one thing that is very high now. You may not notice it, some clinics in this town, with due apologies to doctors who are carrying out legitimate businesses, there are hospitals in this town (Uyo) that are involved in organ harvesting.”

    “Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 750,000 to 1 million children have been abducted for trafficking and other exploitative purposes. These often involve victims being forced, coerced, deceived, or manipulated into providing sexual services or labour through abuse of trust, power, or authority.

    “The key elements of human trafficking include recruitment, transportation and transfer of victims to different locations. This heinous act can be carried out by individuals, gangs, or organised criminal networks.

    “We have had arrests, I cannot count. The arrest we do, we bring them to the office and when we realize most of these cases are not really human trafficking cases, we send them away. The ones that are arrested and put in our centres and charged to court are many. We have had over 60 convictions.”

    The state Coordinator, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Peace Edem, highlighted the emotional and phycological dangers of human trafficking, calling on continuous sensitization of communities against the dangers

    He said, “Different forms of human trafficking have been mentioned -sex trafficking, labour trafficking and organ trafficking and others. The associated dangers are, first, physical danger, violence and abuse, force labour and rest of them.

    “Then there is the emotional and psychological dangers. So, we need to also sensitize our communities against these dangers because some of them innocently go into it without knowing”

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Eno Ime Akpan commended the collaborative efforts of NAPTIP and NACTAL in the fight against human trafficking in Akwa Ibom.

    She acknowledged Governor Umo Eno for establishing the ministry which she noted has enhanced the fight against human trafficking, saddled with the responsibility of improving the dignity of humans. – Vanguard

  • NASFAT implores acting secretary of NAHCON to uphold values of transparency

    NASFAT implores acting secretary of NAHCON to uphold values of transparency

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has implored Alhaji Alidu Shutti, the acting Secretary of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to uphold the values of sincerity, transparency, and excellence, which are central to the NASFAT mission.

    The Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Imam Maroofdeen AbdulAzeez Onike, made the call in a congratulatory message to Alhaji Shutti signed by Alhaji Shamsideen Owolabi Oseni, National Public Relations Secretary of the Society which was made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    Onike commended Alhaji Shutti’s devotion to the faith and offered special prayers for Allah’s guidance in his new role.

    ” Known for his unwavering commitment to tasks, Alhaji Shutti has been a pillar of support within NASFAT.

    ” His ability to handle responsibilities with wisdom and diligence underscores his suitability for this prestigious national assignment.”

    The missioner, who urged members of NASFAT to support Alhaji Shutti through prayers and collaboration, reaffirmed confidence in his ability to excel as a beacon of Islamic leadership.

    On his part, the NASFAT President, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, congratulated Alhaji Shutti on his appointment, adding that Shutti, a prominent member of NASFAT, has consistently demonstrated dedication to the Islamic faith and remains a trusted figure in the Muslim community.

    AbdulRauf described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Alhaji Shutti’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to service.

    He praised his diligence and integrity, emphasizing that these qualities will contribute significantly to the efficient management of Hajj operations in Nigeria.

  • 2 dead after falling into diesel reservoir – LASEMA

    2 dead after falling into diesel reservoir – LASEMA

    By Flowerbud News

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Saturday confirmed the death of two men who accidentally fell into a diesel reservoir in the Oregun area of the state.

    The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who confirmed this in a statement, said the incident happened at the Ikosi- Oregun Road in Lagos.

    “Following distress calls received on the 767 and 112 emergency toll-free lines at 10.37 a.m., LASEMA activated its response team from the Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “Upon arrival at the scene by 10.47 a.m., it was discovered that two adult males had fallen into a diesel reservoir at the above-mentioned location.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the men accidentally fell into the diesel reservoir while working.

    “The second adult male, in an attempt to rescue the first, also fell into the reservoir,” he said.

    He said both victims were in severe conditions and were promptly transported to the hospital by the Lagos State Ambulance Service, after receiving first aid.

    “First aid was administered on the victims immediately after their rescue.

    “Both individuals were evacuated and transported to the hospital for further medical attention.

    “Unfortunately, despite all sustained medical efforts, they later died,” he said.

    He said the incident scene was being assessed by emergency responders to determine further necessary action in order to prevent similar occurrences,” he said.

    He added that the incident scene had been secured.

    NAN

  • Ex-envoy mourns ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole’s mother Death

    Ex-envoy mourns ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole’s mother Death

     

    Former High Commissioner to the UK, Sarafa Tunji-Isola, has expressed sadness over the death of Alhaja Monsurat Bankole, mother of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.

    Tunji-Ishola stated this on Saturday in a statement signed by him and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhaja Bankole died on Friday after a brief illness at the age of 79.

    The former envoy, who commiserated with the family, said the deceased lived a fulfilled life.

    “I commiserate with our most respected father, Chief Alani Bankole, on the death of his dear wife.

    “My heart goes out also to my brother, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Dimeji Bankole, son of Alhaja Monsurat Atinuke Bankole, on this bereavement,” he said.

    He said the death of Alhaja Bankole, coming a few days after that of Alhaja Adebisi Edionseri, alias Cash Madam, had robbed the state of another woman of substance.

    “We however take consolation in the fact that both of them lived fulfilled lives and left behind worthy legacies,” he said.

    Tunji-Isola, who is also the Baba Adinni of Ogun, prayed Almighty Allah to “accept the return of Alhaja Monsurat Atinuke Bankole as a devout Muslim and grant her soul Al Jannah Firdaus.”

    He also prayed Allah to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • FG, U.S. sign agreement on repatriation of $52.88m corruption proceeds

    FG, U.S. sign agreement on repatriation of $52.88m corruption proceeds

    By Flowerbud News

    The Federal Government and the U.S. Government have signed agreement for the repatriation of not less than 52.88 million dollars forfeited corruption proceeds to Nigeria.
    Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja,
    Ebienfa stated that the agreement was signed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.
    He further stated that  signing of the agreement marked significant shared investment in Nigeria’s development and strengthened  partnership between the nations.
    According to him the Federal Government of Nigeria and the U.S. Government are pleased to announce an agreement to promptly repatriate approximately 52.88 million dollars in forfeited corruption proceeds.
    “These funds were forfeited to the U.S. as part of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice.
    “This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the U.S to combat corruption and recover misappropriated assets.
    “Also, through court proceedings ending in 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s International Corruption Unit, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation successfully forfeited various high-value assets.
    “These include the super yacht Galactica Star and prime real estate in California and New York.”
    He  explained that the forfeited assets were illegally acquired through funds linked to money laundering and conspiracy to bribe former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
    He further stated that Nigerian authorities played a vital role by providing substantial assistance to the U.S. investigation.
    “Both nations emphasise the importance of responsible and effective use of these funds, incorporating mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
    “Under the agreement signed today, the recovered funds will be used to finance electrification projects in Nigeria and international efforts to combat terrorism.
    “The U.S. government remains steadfast in its commitment to combating corruption and money laundering.
    “Similarly, the Federal Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to promoting accountability and good governance, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in the fight against corruption.
    “Both governments reiterate their commitment to transparency and the responsible use of recovered assets to benefit the Nigerian people.”
    NAN
  • NERC transfers electricity oversight to Niger

    NERC transfers electricity oversight to Niger

    By Flowerbud News

    The  Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an order to transfer regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Niger  to the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC).

    The commission in a statement on its X handle in Abuja on Friday said that the transfer  was in compliance with the Constitution   and the Electricity Act (EA) 2023 as Amended.

    The commission said that in accordance with the provisions of the EA 2023, it retains the role as a central regulator with regulatory oversight on the inter-state/international generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations.

    It said that the EA also mandates any state that intends to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets to deliver a formal notification of its processes and requests  to NERC to transfer regulatory authority over electricity operations to the its regulator.

    ”Based on this, the Government of Niger complied with the conditions precedent in the laws, duly notified NERC and requested for the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market in the state.

    ”Following the request, NERC directed the Abuja Electricity Distribution (AEDC) to incorporate a subsidiary (AEDC SubCo) to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Niger  from the company, ”it said.

    The commission said that AEDC  should complete the incorporation of AEDC SubCo within 60 days from Jan. 10 and the sub -company shall apply for and obtain licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from NSERC, among other directives.

    It also directed Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) to incorporate a subsidiary (IBEDC SubCo) to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Niger from IBEDC.

    NERC said, ”IBEDC shall complete the incorporation of IBEDC SubCo within 60 days from Jan. 10.

    ”The sub- company shall apply for and obtain licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from NSERC, among other directives,” it said.

    The commission directed that all transfers envisaged by this order be completed by July 9.

    NAN

  • TMSG to Bauchi governor: Tell Nigerians your real grouse with Tinubu tax proposal

    TMSG to Bauchi governor: Tell Nigerians your real grouse with Tinubu tax proposal

     

    By Danladi Ahmed
    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has faulted Governor Bala Mohammed’s claims that governors are suffering under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG argued that only a lazy and incompetent governor would useTinubu reforms as an excuse for poor performance.

    It said: “We have read Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed’s false claims against President Bola Tinubu when he recently received the National Chairman, Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Sani Jingir in Bauchi, the state capital.

    ” In the video which is now in the public domain, we saw the governor in hysteria, unconscionably blaming President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies for the supposed hardship in Northern Nigeria

    “Without giving any proof, he said that the proposed tax reform would affect the North more than any part of the country.

    “Part of his argument, delivered in Hausa, was that the tax reform would amount to tampering with ‘government’ means of revenue.” We find this line of thought absurd and preposterous.

    “Surprisingly, the Bauchi governor who had initially expressed misgivings over the proposed VAT reform is still sounding like a broken record but this time code switching awfully between being an activist and anarchist with blunt arguments.

    “Governor Mohammed was quoted as saying that the tax reform policy would block revenue sources, thereby jeopardizing governance in states.

    “Which governance is the governor talking about? Which revenue is being blocked?

    “Is it another state or his Bauchi state which has received humongous billions of naira in increased allocations from the Federation Government for which there was verifiable infrastructure on the ground as proof?

    “We wonder which part of states’ revenue sources will Tinubu’s tax reforms block? Is this governor who plays politics with just anything and everything, not the enemy of his people?

    “What is he doing with the humongous allocations to Bauchi state while the people are impoverished under the weight of his dismal governance and unnecessary political red herring?”

    “Or is he saying that the over 50 multiple taxes that the tax reforms seek to streamline should be retained to further impoverish Nigerians?

    “Other than playing to the gallery, what really is the governor up to? What is his real grouse with the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, and how will his state’s revenue be affected? We like to know. ”

    But more importantly, TMSG tasked Gov. Mohammed to tell Nigerians what he has done with improved humongous allocations to Bauchi state as a result of the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, which has freed up more funds to sub-nationals

    “It is common knowledge that Bauchi, like other states, had since Tinubu assumed office in 2023 recorded a quantum leap in monthly allocations from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the respective states.

    “We hereby put it in the record that before President Tinubu assumed office, the highest annual budget of Bauchi state was N213 billion in 2021 while that of 2023 was N202 bn.

    “Last year’s budget was, however, N300bn while the state government projects to spend N467bn this year as a result of improved federal allocations. So we wonder why Governor Mohammed will set out to demonize an economic policy that has ensured more public funds for the subnationals.

    “We need to also remind him that his first budget upon assuming office in 2020 was N167.2bn before it was modified to N129.8bn as a result of COVID-19.

    “But the state’s budget has more than tripled since then, and despite improved allocations, Bauchi still ranks 5th on the list of states with the highest number of out-of-school children. It also tops the ranking of states without Foreign Direct Investments in two years.

    “And to worsen matters is the jolting revelation by the National Bureau of Statistics that 73.9% of Bauchi indigenes are reeling in astonishing multidimensional poverty on his watch. But are these governors affecting people’s welfare positively after all that President Tinubu is doing for the Nigerian nation?

    “For once, can the Governor reassess his government and see how he’s responsible for the unacceptably low development index in Bauchi state that boasts of the glorious days of Tatari Ali, Adamu Muazu, Isa Yuguda, etc?

    “Can someone nudge Bala Mohammed to quit blaming Tinubu’s solutionist economic policies that have put more funds in the coffers of state governments

  • Ibadan to host Nigeria’s largest gathering of Robotics, AI Innovators

    Ibadan to host Nigeria’s largest gathering of Robotics, AI Innovators

    Ibadan to Host Nigeria’s Largest Robotics and AI Summit

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The inaugural RAIN Tech Summit 1.0, organised by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), will take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on January 25, 2025.

     

    This groundbreaking event promises to be the largest gathering of artificial intelligence and robotics experts in Nigeria.

     

    According to Dr. Olusola Ayoola, Governor Seyi Makinde will inaugurate the summit, which aims to inspire innovation, showcase cutting-edge projects, and facilitate connections among industry leaders.

     

    Keynote speaker Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, will address the theme “The RAIN of Transformation Is Upon Us: CEOs Arise!” Other notable speakers include:

    – Professor Abiodun Aibinu, Vice Chancellor of Summit University, who will discuss “SWOT Analysis of Hardware Development in Nigeria”
    – Mr. Olu Akanmu, Academic Director of the Tech Leap Initiative at Lagos Business School, who will provide insights on building resilient tech businesses in Nigeria
    – Dr. Chuks Ekwueme, Chairman of Uniccon Group, and Mr. Obi Ebuka David, Founder of AutogonAI, who will participate in panel discussions on the technological ecosystem

     

    The Guest of Honour is Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group.

     

    The summit will also feature a competition with 194 teams vying for cash prizes, overseen by judges including Dr. Bunmi Ajala, National Director of the National Centre for AI and Robotics, and Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, Regional Director for Africa, RAS, SPE International.

     

    The event will take place at Aweni Arena Event Centre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.