News
Makurdi residents fault JED over prolonged blackout
Residents of Makurdi, the Benue capital, have condemned the electricity blackout attributed to Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc, saying it has subjected innocent consumers to undue hardship.
The residents, who spoke with journalists on Saturday in Makurdi, urged the company to restore power supply and resolve its dispute with the Benue Government without disrupting electricity supply to other consumers.
JED staff withdrew their services on Wednesday following allegations that some youths invaded the company’s Makurdi office, assaulted and abducted personnel and took away four vehicles, which were later returned.
A resident, James Oguche, urged JED to adopt a targeted approach by limiting any lawful disconnection to the facility directly involved in the dispute rather than imposing a blackout on other consumers.
Mr Oguche said electricity consumers should not bear the consequences of disagreements between a distribution company and the government, particularly when their businesses and daily activities depend on regular power supply.
“JED must restore power supply, uphold the law and protect innocent consumers. Innocent consumers must not suffer for the sins committed by a few,” he said.
Judith Audu, another resident, said the blackout had affected small businesses, hospitals, educational institutions and other essential services, worsening the economic difficulties faced by residents.
Ms Audu also expressed concern about electricity metering and billing, particularly for consumers without prepaid meters.
She said prolonged power outages could create uncertainty over the bills of postpaid customers, especially those subjected to estimated billing.
According to her, consumers deserved clear information on how their bills would be calculated during the period of interrupted supply.
Emmanuel Bem, another resident, called on JED to explain the scope of its actions and outline measures to protect affected consumers from unfair billing.
Mr Bem acknowledged the company’s responsibility to protect its infrastructure, enforce payment obligations and ensure the safety of its personnel.
He, however, stressed that such responsibilities should be exercised fairly and proportionately, without unnecessarily disrupting electricity supply to customers unconnected with the dispute.
Mr Bem urged relevant electricity regulatory authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dispute and ensure that consumers’ rights were protected.
He said allegations of electricity theft, meter bypass or other violations should be addressed through appropriate regulatory and legal procedures.
He also urged JED to explore available dispute-resolution mechanisms with the Benue Government to facilitate the restoration of power supply.
Similarly, Jude Terwase appealed to the company to prioritise dialogue and restore electricity to affected areas pending the resolution of the dispute.
Mr Terwase said residents deserved reliable electricity, transparent billing and fair treatment, insisting that innocent consumers should not bear the consequences of the disagreement between JED and the state government.
He questioned the justification for a widespread blackout and called on the company to clarify whether its actions complied with applicable electricity regulations.
Mr Terwase also sought clarification on the protections available to postpaid customers who might receive bills during prolonged interruptions to electricity supply.
JED reportedly serves more than 500,000 customers in Makurdi.
(NAN)
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.
Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.
"Those who are saying we don't have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time," Yari said
The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.
Yari also expressed confidence in the APC's chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.
Yari further praised Tinubu's leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.
He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.
Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.
He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.
Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.
"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."
Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.
Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.
He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."
Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.
2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas
-
News2 days agoUNIJOS Appoints Patricia Lar as First Female Vice-Chancellor
-
News3 days ago
NiYA: Nigeria Awards ₦49m grants to 17 young entrepreneurs – Technology Times
-
News2 days ago
Democrats launch Nvidia investigation, write scathing letter on Huang’s ‘scheme’ with Trump
-
News2 days ago
Nigeria opens 3MTT Cohort 5 with ₦4bn funding – Technology Times
