Blog

Security beefed up in Enugu as Governorship Election Tribunal delivers judgement

By Flowerbudnews

Security has been beefed up in Enugu metropolis as Enugu Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivers judgement in the 2023 Governorship Election.

A correspondent, who monitored the development on Thursday, observed that the state’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol vehicles had been positioned in strategic locations within Enugu metropolis to quell any violent protest.

It was gathered that nine hilux vans and three Armoured Personal Carrier (APC) had been situationed in and around the tribunal premises.

There about 50 police personnel, including soldiers, DSS and NSCDC personnel, drawn from various specialise police formations are currently situation at the tribunal premises.

Reacting, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said that the security beef up remained a routine of the police.

Ndukwe said that the deployment was to ensure safety of all before, during and after the judgement. (Flowerbudnews)

September 21, 2023
EEDC allays concern of customers who paid for meter at old cost

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu: The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has assured its customers that had earlier paid for meters before the effective date of the reviewed cost of meter, that the new cost will not affect their application.

“All payments for meters previously made under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme before Sept. 5, 2023, will be processed using the old meter cost. No kobo will be added,” the Head, Corporate Communications of EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said.

Ezeh gave the clarification in Enugu on Thursday while enlightening journalists on the newly reviewed costs of meters as contained in order No: NERC /2023/020 issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) which took effect from Sept. 5, 2023.

According to him, the review by NERC was necessitated following the significant changes in macroeconomic indicators, such as inflation and changes in foreign exchange rates among other factors.

He said: “With this new development, a Single-Phase meter which previously cost ₦63,061.27 now goes for ₦88,123.30.

“Three-Phase meter, which was obtained at the cost of ₦117,910.69, is now sold at ₦154,623.81. These prices are inclusive of the 7.5 per cent VAT.”

Ezeh further clarified that customers who were issued Demand Notes at the old rate but failed to pay for the meters before the Order introducing the new rate, would have to pay at the new rate.

“To apply for a meter, customers can log on to EEDC website (www.enugudisco.com), click on – “MAP Meter Request”, then select “Request for Meter”, fill the form, submit, and other processes will follow,” he explained.

The EEDC spokesman warned that meter “application and installation is free of charge and comes at no cost to the customer, likewise pre-installation survey and generation of Demand Note for payment”.

He said: “All the customers need to pay for is the meter itself, and that is only when a Demand Note has been issued, and the payment is to be made at any commercial bank.

“We, therefore, call on our customers to beware of dubious elements who may cash in on this to defraud unsuspecting customers of their hard earned money.

“Once you have applied for a meter, keep tracking to know the progress or go to the office to check and ask questions rather than fall into the wrong hands.” (Flowerbudnews)

Ezeh reiterated that all payments for meters are made at any commercial bank; and not in cash in any office or to any agent or group.

September 21, 2023
I will appeal tribunal judgement says PRP Enugu governorship candidate

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu: Mr Chris Agu, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Enugu State, has vowed to appeal the State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal judgement on the alleged NYSC certificate forgery against Gov Peter Mbah.

Agu made the vow in Enugu on Thursday while reacting to the tribunal’s dismissal of his petition challenging the alleged forgery of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate by Gov Mbah of Enugu State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal dismissed the petition of the PRP on NYSC certificate forgery leveled against Mbah, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18, 2023 Governorship Election.

The three-man tribunal led by Justice K. M. Akano also ruled that Mbah was duly elected by majority of votes cast at the election.

Agu brought allegation of NYSC certificate forgery and over voting against PDP and the party’s candidate, Mbah.

The tribunal said that there was no evidence before it to support PRP’s claim that a forged certificate was submitted to INEC, adding that the issue was not contained in the petitioner’s affidavit in particular.

It further stated that to prove forgery, both the original and the supposedly forged certificate ought to have been exhibited.

Reacting, Agu said that he was rejecting the judgement both physically and spiritually, adding that he presented all documents necessary for the prosecution of the matter.

“I am going to appeal the judgement and pursue it to the highest court in the land,” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

September 21, 2023
Seyi Tinubu debunks sending 15m to Mohbad’s son

Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has debunked the claims making rounds on the internet that he donated a sum of 15 million naira to the son of the late Nigerian rapper, Mohbad.

Since the death of the ‘peace’ hitmaker was announced on September 12, Nigerians have continued to seek justice over his death and have equally raised millions of naira for the rapper’s 5-month-old son, Liam.

In a new development regarding the donations on Thursday, there were reports that Seyi Tinubu had joined the long list of Nigerians donating to the late rapper’s son’s account.

The report, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Dada Olusegun, an aide to President Tinubu, claimed that the President’s son had supported the late rapper’s son with 15 million naira. He also posted an alleged receipt of the transaction.

However, while refuting the claim on X a few hours later, Japheth Omojuwa, a popular political commentator and an ally of Seyi, stated that no such donation was made.

According to him, Seyi Tinubu, like every other Nigerian, expressed deep concern over the untimely death of Mohbad but did not make the alleged 15 million naira donation.

He added that although Seyi is committed to supporting the late rapper’s wife and son, he did not make the purported donation.

He wrote in part: “Seyi Tinubu didn’t donate N15m to Mohbad’s kid or family. I would know because I have been discussing the issue with him for several days.

I said not to get sucked into the social media thing because whatever he said or did would be politicized. I then went on to say, irrespective of that, we should prioritize his family, especially his kid. He said he’d commit to the kid’s education and also support the wife immediately. But we also knew there was still a danger of that getting used against him politically – that’s the world we now live in. It is what it is, it’s why one can only move the best way one can.”

Affirming the authenticity of Omojuwa’s statement, Seyi Tinubu took to his verified Instagram account to repost the full statement on his Instagram stories.

September 21, 2023
Tribunal verdict is victory for democracy, Enugu people – Gov Mbah. N

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu: Gov. Peter Mbah has lauded the decision of the Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in dismissing petitions of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Labour Party (LP) candidates challenging his election victory.

“This landmark judgment of the tribunal is a victory for democracy and the people of Enugu State,” Mbah said in a swift reaction after the judgment in Enugu on Thursday.

The governor, who also extended hands of fellowship to the opposition candidates and their political parties, said the task to build Enugu remained a collective one.

He noted that he was committed to working with all, irrespective of political persuasions.

Earlier, the Tribunal chaired by Justice Kudirat Akano, had dismissed the petitions of the governorship candidate of the PRP, Mr Chris Agu, and candidate of the LP, Chief Chijioke Edeoga, challenging his victory in the March 18, 2023 Governorship Election.

Mbah, who addressed a mammoth crowd of his supporters in Government House, said: “This is another memorable day in the anal of our dear state, as the Tribunal affirmed the mandate, which you freely gave to us on March 18.

“This is victory for Ndi (people of) Enugu. It is also a victory for democracy.

“It is a victory for massive development for Ndi Enugu. It is a victory for exponential growth for Ndi Enugu. It is a victory for Enugu’s greatness.

“It is a victory for the ban on Monday sit-at-home. It is also a victory for our determination to restore water in all your homes in the next 68 days.”

While thanking God for making the victory possible, Mbah also commended the Tribunal for painstakingly dissecting the petitions and “for coming out with fair and just decision that resonates with Ndi Enugu”.

According to him, the verdict has further strengthened our confidence in the judiciary as the temple of justice and the last hope of the common man.

Extending hands of fellowship to his opponents, Mbah said: “There is time for everything under the sun. There is time to strive and time to unite. We all put ourselves forward to serve Ndi Enugu.

“The people have spoken and the tribunal has also affirmed. If service was the motivation, then it is time to rise above partisanship and come together because there is so much work to be done.

“Our arms are wide open and I beckon to my brothers, who ran this race with us, to join us in the onerous task of building a new Enugu State of our dreams.

“In the same vein, I enjoin all our supporters to be magnanimous in victory. Politics is over. Governance began on 29th May when we were inaugurated. It is time to unite”.

Mbah, who reiterated his resolve to deliver on his campaign promises, further stressed that the Tribunal’s decision was an elixir to do more, and urged the people to hold him to account on those promises.

“Once more, I immensely thank the good people of Enugu State, who not only believed in us, but also vested their mandate in us. Above all, they (Enugu State people) have stood by us every step of the way.

“I want to assure them that I will work for them with every fibre of my being. I stand by every campaign promise I made as espoused in our Statement of Purpose.

“I also stand by the Citizens Charter that I executed on my first day in office. The Enugu people should hold me to account. I will not let them down,” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

September 21, 2023
Tribunal dismisses LP, PRP NYSC certificate forgery suit against Gov Mbah

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu: The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu, on Thursday, dismissed NYSC certificate forgery suit brought by the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the Labour Party against Gov. Peter Mbah.

The three-man tribunal, chaired by Justice Kudirat Akano, said there was no evidence before it to support the petitioners claim that a forged certificate was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mr Chris Agu of the PRP and Chijioke Edeoga of the LP had separately filed suits against Mbah challenging his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate on the ground of it being forged.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the petitioners had alleged among others that Mbah was not qualified to contest the election and was not lawfully elected.

According to the tribunal, section 177 of the 1999 constitution is not a requirement for contesting governorship election.

The tribunal rejected Edeoga’s witnesses and ruled that the LP candidate did not present any admissible evidence to prove that Mbah’s certificate was forged.

On PRP’s petition, Akano said that the issue was not contained in the petitioner’s affidavit, stating that to prove forgery, both the original and the supposedly forged certificate ought to have been exhibited before the tribunal.

The tribunal held that the petitioner failed to prove that the respondent possessed the minimum requirements to stand for the election including school certificate or its equivalent.

It said therefore, there was no evidence to substantiate the claims adding that Mbah was not qualified to stand for the election.

On the issue of plea bargain by Mbah, the tribunal averred that the exhibit presented by the petitioners did not show any plea bargain by the respondent.

Akano further ruled that Mbah was duly elected by majority of votes cast at the election held on March 18. (Flowerbudnews)

September 21, 2023
Video: Senate committee visits Mohbad’s family

The Senate Committee on Entertainment Economy, led by its Chairman, Senator Elisha Abbo on Thursday paid a condolence visit to the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka ‘Mohbad’ family.

Abbo who was accompanied by Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh visited and commiserated with Mohbad’s mother as seen in photos now widely posted on social media.

Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12, in a controversial manner, sparking outrage on social media.

Following the singer’s death, #JusticeForMohbad rallies have been held across different locations in the country.

There are speculations linking Mohbad’s death to a rift with his former label boss, Azeez Fashola ‘Naira Marley’, and socialite Samson Erinfolami ‘Sam Larry’.

Recall that the Lagos State Police Command said it has commenced a full investigation into the death of the singer.

“Consequent upon the growing public concerns and the preliminary police review of the general circumstances surrounding the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka Mohbad, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has directed the commencement of full-scale criminal investigation into the case,” the statement partly reads.

September 21, 2023
CBN postpones September 2023 MPC meeting

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has postponed its 293rd meeting earlier scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26, respectively.

The apex bank did not give the reason for the deferment, but said a new date would be communicated in due course, and regretted any inconvenience the change may cause its stakeholders and the general public.

Dr. Isa AbdulMumin Director, Corporate Communications of the CBN who broke the news on Thursday said in a brief statement that “The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has deferred

its 293rd meeting scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26, 2023,

respectively.

A new date will be communicated in due course.

We regret any inconvenience this change may cause our stakeholders and the general

public”

September 21, 2023
NAFDAC introduces online products registration to manufacturers in Osun

By Olajide Idowu

Osogbo: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has lintroduced online product and company registration for producers and marketers of NAFDAC- controlled and regulated products in Osun.

Mr Akin Fagboroye, Assistant Director, NAFDAC, South West Zonal Office, Ibadan, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with products’ manufacturers and distributors in Osogbo.

He explained that the online registration was to eliminate bottlenecks and eliminate third parties in product registration process.

Fagboroye explained that the online registration, which had been on for a while, was for limited and certain products, “and the online registration now covered all products controlled and regulated by NAFDAC”.

“The online registration, NAFDAC Automated Products Administration and Monitoring system (NAPAMS), is to enable manufacturers register their products easily from the comfort of their homes.

“The process has been made seamless that an applicant can monitor (online) all the process from: registration, payment, status/stages of registered product and even print out registration certificate of the product without going to NAFDAC office,” he said.

Also, Mrs Roseline Ajayi, Director, NAFDAC South West Zonal Office, Ibadan, said although the online registration was to enable easy registration of products, NAFDAC still had desk officers to attend to customers’ enquires and complaints.

“NAFDAC wants to advance beyond the level 3 international rating in food control and regulation and henceforth, they will be engaging in post-market surveillance.

“You will see us more on the field. Stakeholders, especially in the distribution chain, that do not have the requirements to distribute some NAFDAC regulated products should do the needful, register and get listed with NAFDAC,” she said.

She said defaulters or those that were found short of the requirements during NAFDAC’s visit to their establishments would be sanctioned appropriately.

Dr Isaac Kolawole, Osun NAFDAC State Coordinator, in his remarks, stated that the stakeholders’ meeting was part of the agency’s interactive programme to sensitise, educate and enlighten manufacturers and distributors.

He also said the meeting was to also update everyone on current issues about NAFDAC.

Kolawole said NAPAMS was to enlighten stakeholders that NAFDAC had now provided an automatic e-process for product registration.

“The e-process (electronic process) would eliminate unnecessary documentation, delay in registration and also reduce unnecessary charges being levied on our stakeholders by consultants.

“Prior to the meeting, Osun NAFDAC office has always introduced NAPAMS to stakeholders at every meeting,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

September 21, 2023