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Nigeria Loses $29 Billion To Power Failure Yearly – Lawan

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Monday lamented that Nigeria loses about $29 billion yearly to irregular and poor power supply.

Lawan disclosed this while declaring open an investigative public hearing on a motion titled: “Power Sector Recovery Plan and the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic” organized by the Senate Committee on Power, in Abuja.

Lawan noted that Nigeria has spent N1.8 trillion on power since 2015 without anything concrete to show for it

He said that while he cannot call for an outright reversal of the privatisation of the power sector by the Federal Government, there ought to a review of the exercise to stop huge financial losses to the Federal Government on a monthly basis.

He said that instead of the power situation in the country to improve after privatisation as expected, the prospects of the sector have continued to dim with attendant loses.

According to him, the Share Purchase Agreement between the Federal Government, Distribution Companies (DisCos), Generating Companies (GenCos), during the exercise is today responsible for Nigeria losing between N12billion and N15 monthly.

Read Also: “I Don’t Need Godfather To Win Edo Election” – Osagie Ize-Iyamu

He insisted that Nigeria cannot be competitive or make sustainable progress without sustainable power.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, in her presentation agreed with Lawan that the power sector has failed to perform as envisaged from the privatisation exercise.

Zainab disclosed that the Federal Government has designed a Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP) consisting of a set of coordinated actions which when implemented in the next five years, are expected to reset the sector and place it on a sustainable development and growth trajectory.

Agencies at the public hearing were the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)

“I Don’t Need Godfather To Win Edo Election” – Osagie Ize-Iyamu

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The candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo State 2020 Governorship Election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, says he does not need a godfather to win the election.

Ize-Iyamu stated this on Monday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels TV.

During the live television programme monitored by our correspondent, the candidate was asked if he had the blessings of the suspended National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, and what was his relationship with him.

Read Also: Despite Ikpeazu’s Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

He said, “The only godfather I have is God. I am sure that is obvious to you. Adams Oshiomhole is the national chairman of the party and I have immense respect for him. And there are other leaders. Adams Oshiomhole was not in Edo today and yet I won the 18 local governments. We have mutual respect for each other and I will not disrespect him because anybody wants to insult him.

“All I want to let you know is that I am well grounded in Edo. People know me; I have lived there all my life and they believe in me. And they want somebody that understands their problems and is able to solve them. I am sincere, focused and I have a clear-cut agenda of what I want to do.

“That is why I am standing and I believe on the basis of that I will win the election overwhelmingly. I don’t need any godfather to win.”

Despite Ikpeazu’s Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

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Members of Abia State Executive Council (EXCO) in a Meeting held on 22nd June 2020 at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia approved the award of 19 road construction in the state.

Despite Ikpeazu's Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

This is following the recommended by the Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC). In the state.

Recall that the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu had been on isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

In a release signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi after the Exco meeting, this is part of the government’s decision to renew infrastructure in the state.

Despite Ikpeazu's Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

In order to further improve the road infrastructure capital in the state, Exco reviewed and approved the following road projects as recommended by the Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC):

“Contract for construction of Ukwunwangwu/Ndudu (2.95 km) Road Phase 1, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.

“Contract for the construction of Obiagu/Umuanyi (1.9km) Road, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.

“Contract for the construction of Ukwunwangwu-Isunabo (1.8km) Road, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.

“Contract for rehabilitation of Umuenyere Alayi-Item-Nkporo Road in Bende/Ohafia LGA (26km).

“Contract for the construction of 2.5km Umuokwu/Ubaha Road (Leading to Dephilajoms Agro & Allied Industries (Nig) Ltd.

“Contract for the construction/ rehabilitation of Adaelu-Unity Garden Estate Road (1.4km), Osisioma LGA.

“Contract for the construction of Amapu Ntigha-Abam Ubakala Road in Isialangwa North and Umuahia North LGA’s (1.0km).

“Contract for the construction of Apumiri Umuochi – Umuejeaya Mgarakuma – Ahiaorie Umuosu (3.2Km) Road in Umuahia south LGA.

“Contract for the recontruction of Obioha Road, Aba South LGA (2.95km).

“Contract for the reconstruction of Ohanku Road, Aba South LGA (5.3km).

“Contract for variation: As a result of dualization/expansion of Ururuka Road from Ogbor-Hill Bridge to Umuobiakwa (13km).

“Contract for rehabilitation of Obigbo – Aba Sports Club GRA, Aba (1.100Km).

“Contract for Rehabilitation of Abak Road and PZ Road (0.760km).

“Contract for the rehabilitation of Egbelu Railway Line – Aba/Owerri Roads, GRA, Aba.(1.244km).

“Contract for the reconstruction of Ekeakpara Road from Osisioma Junction (3.5km).

“Contract for the construction of Amaorji Osusu-Okpuala Ngwa-Amauzu Ovungwu-Ntigha Umukalu Road, and Spurs at Obikabia, Iheorji, Palace Aru-Egbelu and Umuosi-Ntigha Roads(15km), Isialangwa North and South LGAs.

“Contract for the construction of Nbawsi Junction to Okpoala (St. Judges/Umunkolo Bypass), Isialangwa North LGA (2.0km).

“Contract for the reconstruction of Chief Ubani Road, Aba North LGA(1km).

“Contract for the variation/construction of Bende-Idima Abam Road in Bende and Arochukwu LGAs (8.1km)” it says.

The Exco observed one-minute silence in honor of late Honorable Commissioner For Environment, Dr Solomon Ogunji.

The Exco while wishing Ikpeazu quick recovery as well as all those undergoing COVID-19 infection management in the state, applauded Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the members of the state inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19 over the successful launching of the state-owned testing center at Abia State Specialist Hospital & Diagnostic Center, Amachara and another one that will open in Aba next week.

To strengthen internal security, especially at major boundary communities in the state, the ministry of homeland security was given the approval to deploy modern electronic and digital technology to monitor and improve existing security structure in the state on pilot basis.

“Exco approved the construction of a medical complex for New Born Babies at Mother & Child Specialist Hospital, opposite Central Police Station (CPS) along Bende road, Umuahia, with state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and management of patients.

“Exco approved the resolution on the funding of COVID-19 related intervention activities through budgetary provisions.

“Exco was briefed on the long term development plan for the state and approved integration with the expected report from the post-COVID-19 committee.

“Exco approved funding for the completion of the JAAC building in Umuahia as well as counterpart fund for Universal Basic Education projects.

“Exco reviewed the ongoing virtual learning program of the ministry of education and approved funding for related projects and its sustenance,” it says.

Despite Ikpeazu's Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

BREAKING: Nigeria Records 675 New Cases Of COVID-19, Total Now 20,919

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Nigeria has recorded 675 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 20,919.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known via its Twitter handle on Monday.

“On the 22nd of June 2020, 675 new confirmed cases and 7 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.

“Till date, 20919 cases have been confirmed, 7109 cases have been discharged and 525 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“The 675 new cases are reported from 21 states; Lagos-288, Oyo-76, Rivers-56, Delta-31, Ebonyi-30, Gombe-28, Ondo-20, Kaduna-20, Kwara-20, Ogun-17, FCT-16, Edo-13, Abia-10, Nasarawa-9, Imo-9, Bayelsa-8, Borno-8, Katsina-8, Sokoto-3, Bauchi-3, Plateau-2,” the NCDC said.

See the breakdown of cases by state below;

Confirmed Cases by State

States Affected No. of Cases (Lab Confirmed) No. of Cases (on admission) No. Discharged No. of Deaths
Lagos 8,864 7,290 1,448 126
FCT 1,583 1,063 490 30
Kano 1,190 421 718 51
Oyo 988 688 291 9
Rivers 930 490 409 31
Edo 797 524 242 31
Ogun 663 281 366 16
Kaduna 600 282 308 10
Delta 532 382 130 20
Gombe 479 215 250 14
Borno 476 78 367 31
Bauchi 467 132 324 11
Katsina 434 173 239 22
Jigawa 317 120 191 6
Ebonyi 264 41 222 1
Plateau 253 116 131 6
Imo 243 219 21 3
Abia 232 136 93 3
Kwara 200 72 122 6
Nasarawa 193 93 94 6
Bayelsa 177 137 29 11
Ondo 154 81 56 17
Enugu 144 110 29 5
Sokoto 138 8 116 14
Zamfara 76 0 71 5
Kebbi 67 21 40 6
Anambra 66 6 51 9
Niger 66 26 37 3
Akwa Ibom 65 20 43 2
Osun 60 9 46 5
Yobe 56 3 45 8
Adamawa 45 3 37 5
Benue 44 29 15 0
Ekiti 35 5 28 2
Taraba 18 8 10 0
Kogi 3 3 0 0

Nobody Under Our Management Has Died Of COVID-19, Abia Govt Insists

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Following the announcement of 3 COVID-19 casualties in Abia by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, the state government has insisted that no COVID-19 patient under its care has died.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu made this known on Monday while fielding questions from newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital.

While stating that the state government will not dispute NCDC, Kalu said if a suspected COVID-19 patient dies before samples are analysed and turned in, the NCDC records such deaths as COVID-19 if the sample result tests positive.

The Commissioner said sample results collated in the state are dispatched to other states for analysis before results could be known, insisting that no active case under its care from any isolation centre in the state has died of the virus.

Kalu further said that with the new GenXpert diagnostic equipment recently delivered, the state will not need to send samples to Ebonyi, Irua, Owerri, or Abuja where its samples are tested.

He said the GenXpert newly delivered will be located in Aba while FMC Umuahia and Amachara will have the capacity to test when the GenXperts there are fully configured.

Despite Ikpeazu’s Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

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Members of Abia State Executive Council (EXCO) in a Meeting held on 22nd June 2020 at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia approved the award of 19 road construction in the state.

Despite Ikpeazu's Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

This is following the recommended by the Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC). In the state.

Recall that the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu had been on isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

In a release signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi after the Exco meeting, this is part of the government’s decision to renew infrastructure in the state.

Despite Ikpeazu's Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

In order to further improve the road infrastructure capital in the state, Exco reviewed and approved the following road projects as recommended by the Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC):

“Contract for construction of Ukwunwangwu/Ndudu (2.95 km) Road Phase 1, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.

“Contract for the construction of Obiagu/Umuanyi (1.9km) Road, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.

“Contract for the construction of Ukwunwangwu-Isunabo (1.8km) Road, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.

“Contract for rehabilitation of Umuenyere Alayi-Item-Nkporo Road in Bende/Ohafia LGA (26km).

“Contract for the construction of 2.5km Umuokwu/Ubaha Road (Leading to Dephilajoms Agro & Allied Industries (Nig) Ltd.

“Contract for the construction/ rehabilitation of Adaelu-Unity Garden Estate Road (1.4km), Osisioma LGA.

“Contract for the construction of Amapu Ntigha-Abam Ubakala Road in Isialangwa North and Umuahia North LGA’s (1.0km).

“Contract for the construction of Apumiri Umuochi – Umuejeaya Mgarakuma – Ahiaorie Umuosu (3.2Km) Road in Umuahia south LGA.

“Contract for the recontruction of Obioha Road, Aba South LGA (2.95km).

“Contract for the reconstruction of Ohanku Road, Aba South LGA (5.3km).

“Contract for variation: As a result of dualization/expansion of Ururuka Road from Ogbor-Hill Bridge to Umuobiakwa (13km).

“Contract for rehabilitation of Obigbo – Aba Sports Club GRA, Aba (1.100Km).

“Contract for Rehabilitation of Abak Road and PZ Road (0.760km).

“Contract for the rehabilitation of Egbelu Railway Line – Aba/Owerri Roads, GRA, Aba.(1.244km).

“Contract for the reconstruction of Ekeakpara Road from Osisioma Junction (3.5km).

“Contract for the construction of Amaorji Osusu-Okpuala Ngwa-Amauzu Ovungwu-Ntigha Umukalu Road, and Spurs at Obikabia, Iheorji, Palace Aru-Egbelu and Umuosi-Ntigha Roads(15km), Isialangwa North and South LGAs.

“Contract for the construction of Nbawsi Junction to Okpoala (St. Judges/Umunkolo Bypass), Isialangwa North LGA (2.0km).

“Contract for the reconstruction of Chief Ubani Road, Aba North LGA(1km).

“Contract for the variation/construction of Bende-Idima Abam Road in Bende and Arochukwu LGAs (8.1km)” it says.

The Exco observed one-minute silence in honor of late Honorable Commissioner For Environment, Dr Solomon Ogunji.

The Exco while wishing Ikpeazu quick recovery as well as all those undergoing COVID-19 infection management in the state, applauded Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the members of the state inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19 over the successful launching of the state-owned testing center at Abia State Specialist Hospital & Diagnostic Center, Amachara and another one that will open in Aba next week.

To strengthen internal security, especially at major boundary communities in the state, the ministry of homeland security was given the approval to deploy modern electronic and digital technology to monitor and improve existing security structure in the state on pilot basis.

“Exco approved the construction of a medical complex for New Born Babies at Mother & Child Specialist Hospital, opposite Central Police Station (CPS) along Bende road, Umuahia, with state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and management of patients.

“Exco approved the resolution on the funding of COVID-19 related intervention activities through budgetary provisions.

“Exco was briefed on the long term development plan for the state and approved integration with the expected report from the post-COVID-19 committee.

“Exco approved funding for the completion of the JAAC building in Umuahia as well as counterpart fund for Universal Basic Education projects.

“Exco reviewed the ongoing virtual learning program of the ministry of education and approved funding for related projects and its sustenance,” it says.

Despite Ikpeazu's Absence, Abia EXCO Approves Award Of 19 Road Construction Projects

FBI Commends EFCC On Indictment Of 6 Nigerians For Cyber Crime

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The American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for offering assistance to it in the investigation and prosecution of six Nigerians involved in Business Email Compromise (BEC) and wire fraud in the United States of America.

United States Attorney, Joe Kelly and Special FBI Agent, Kristi Johnson, in a release made available to the EFCC, commended the Commission for its “past and continued assistance in pursuing those that engage in Business Email Compromise and other fraud schemes”

Six Nigerians: Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh; Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin; Michael Olorunyomi; Felix Osilama Okpoh, Abiola Ayorinde Kayode and Nnamdi Orson Benson were indicted and sanctioned by the FBI for conducting elaborate fraud schemes involving alleged stealing of more than $6million from “individual victims and victim businesses both in Nebraska and other states”.

Also Read: N13.5bn Monthly School Feeding Premeditated Fraud — Group Alleges, Seeks EFCC’s Intervention

BECs are sophisticated cybercrimes involving electronic transfer payments or automated clearing house transfers. The six Nigerians indicted by the FBI are accused of “violations of federal laws: 1) Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000; 2) Identity theft and access device fraud, each punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000”.

The FBI described the EFCC as one of its “foreign colleagues abroad” and expressed appreciation for its “commitment to working together”. It would be recalled that the EFCC and FBI were involved in a joint field operation against cybercriminals in Nigeria in 2019 which yielded significant dividends.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Rewired”, was a hit against trans-Atlantic syndicates of cybercriminals operating in intricate, sophisticated networks. 167 Nigerian suspected cybercriminals were arrested and a total sum of $169,850( One Hundred and Sixty Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars) and N92,000,000( Ninety-Two Million Naira only) were recovered from the suspects. The FBI also presented certificates to operatives of the EFCC that took part in the joint operation.

Court Jails 4 Internet Fraudsters In Abeokuta

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Justice Ibrahim Watilat of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday, June 22, 2020, jailed four internet fraudsters for criminal impersonation.

The convicts: Wariz Akintunde; Moses Olamilekan Dosumu, Richard Adegbite, and Smith Enitan Adetayo were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office.

Court Jails 4 Internet Fraudsters In Abeokuta Court Jails 4 Internet Fraudsters In Abeokuta Court Jails 4 Internet Fraudsters In Abeokuta Court Jails 4 Internet Fraudsters In Abeokuta

With all pleading guilty, the judge sentenced Akintunde and Adegbite to four months in prison, with an option of N100,00 each effective from June 22, 2020. Dosumu earned two months jail term with an option of N50,000, while Adetayo was sentenced to five months in prison without an option of fine, effective from June 22, 2020.

Also Read: Court Grants Bail To Chinese Nationals Who Allegedly Offered EFCC Officer N100m Bribe 

The judge further ordered Akintunde, Dosumu, and Adetayo to restitute the sums of $700, $375, and N39,000 to their respective victims through the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Simon Ibekwute and Sanusi Galadanchi prosecuted the matter for the EFCC.

BREAKING: Nigeria Records 675 New Cases Of COVID-19, Total Now 20,919

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Nigeria has recorded 675 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 20,919.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known via its Twitter handle on Monday.

“On the 22nd of June 2020, 675 new confirmed cases and 7 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.

“Till date, 20919 cases have been confirmed, 7109 cases have been discharged and 525 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“The 675 new cases are reported from 21 states; Lagos-288, Oyo-76, Rivers-56, Delta-31, Ebonyi-30, Gombe-28, Ondo-20, Kaduna-20, Kwara-20, Ogun-17, FCT-16, Edo-13, Abia-10, Nasarawa-9, Imo-9, Bayelsa-8, Borno-8, Katsina-8, Sokoto-3, Bauchi-3, Plateau-2,” the NCDC said.

See the breakdown of cases by state below;

Confirmed Cases by State

States Affected No. of Cases (Lab Confirmed) No. of Cases (on admission) No. Discharged No. of Deaths
Lagos 8,864 7,290 1,448 126
FCT 1,583 1,063 490 30
Kano 1,190 421 718 51
Oyo 988 688 291 9
Rivers 930 490 409 31
Edo 797 524 242 31
Ogun 663 281 366 16
Kaduna 600 282 308 10
Delta 532 382 130 20
Gombe 479 215 250 14
Borno 476 78 367 31
Bauchi 467 132 324 11
Katsina 434 173 239 22
Jigawa 317 120 191 6
Ebonyi 264 41 222 1
Plateau 253 116 131 6
Imo 243 219 21 3
Abia 232 136 93 3
Kwara 200 72 122 6
Nasarawa 193 93 94 6
Bayelsa 177 137 29 11
Ondo 154 81 56 17
Enugu 144 110 29 5
Sokoto 138 8 116 14
Zamfara 76 0 71 5
Kebbi 67 21 40 6
Anambra 66 6 51 9
Niger 66 26 37 3
Akwa Ibom 65 20 43 2
Osun 60 9 46 5
Yobe 56 3 45 8
Adamawa 45 3 37 5
Benue 44 29 15 0
Ekiti 35 5 28 2
Taraba 18 8 10 0
Kogi 3 3 0 0

Nobody Under Our Management Has Died Of COVID-19, Abia Govt Insists

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Following the announcement of 3 COVID-19 casualties in Abia by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, the state government has insisted that no COVID-19 patient under its care has died.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu made this known on Monday while fielding questions from newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital.

While stating that the state government will not dispute NCDC, Kalu said if a suspected COVID-19 patient dies before samples are analysed and turned in, the NCDC records such deaths as COVID-19 if the sample result tests positive.

The Commissioner said sample results collated in the state are dispatched to other states for analysis before results could be known, insisting that no active case under its care from any isolation centre in the state has died of the virus.

Kalu further said that with the new GenXpert diagnostic equipment recently delivered, the state will not need to send samples to Ebonyi, Irua, Owerri, or Abuja where its samples are tested.

He said the GenXpert newly delivered will be located in Aba while FMC Umuahia and Amachara will have the capacity to test when the GenXperts there are fully configured.

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