News
IMO STATE GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS ALLEGED SABOTAGE PLOT BY EEDC — GOVERNMENT WARNS OF PLANNED MASSIVE POWER OUTAGE TARGETING LIGHT UP IMO PROJECT.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
23- NOV-2025
The Imo State Government has raised a serious alarm over what it describes as a calculated and deliberate plan by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to plunge the state into a prolonged and unnecessary power outage. According to the government, credible intelligence has revealed that the management of EEDC is preparing to shut down electricity supply across Imo State as a strategy to frustrate and sabotage the soon-to-be-launched Light Up Imo project—an initiative poised to deliver stable and affordable power to all parts of the state.
Government sources indicate that EEDC’s management is deeply unsettled by the progress of the Orashi Electricity Company, the state-owned firm licensed to provide electricity under the new power sector reforms. Evidence made available suggests that EEDC is determined to resist the state’s efforts to break its longstanding monopoly, which many residents have criticized for high tariffs and unreliable supply. According to the government, the planned blackout is part of EEDC’s attempt to undermine the confidence Imo people have begun to show in the state-driven electricity programme.
Further intelligence, the state says, shows that EEDC has already drafted a public statement in anticipation of the planned outage. The alleged statement reportedly blames the blackouts on installation activities being carried out for the Orashi Electricity Company. Government officials believe this is a deliberate ploy to mislead the public, create confusion, and paint the state’s electricity provider as incompetent. The ultimate aim, they say, is to turn citizens against the Light Up Imo project and derail the progress being made in providing a dependable power alternative.
The Imo State Government notes that the first phase of the Light Up Imo project is set to cover the entire Owerri metropolis, a development that will drastically reduce EEDC’s influence and revenue in the state. It asserts that the company’s desperation stems from the fear of losing its exclusive control over electricity distribution in the region. By allegedly planning a statewide outage, EEDC hopes to discredit both the state government and the Orashi Electricity Company, thereby preserving its monopoly position.
Through this special public service announcement, the government is notifying Imo residents to be vigilant and prepared for any sudden blackout that may occur from today onward. It warns that the planned outage, if carried out, will inflict avoidable suffering on households, cripple business activities, and disrupt social and economic life across the state. The government insists that such an action would not only be irresponsible but also a direct attack on the welfare and aspirations of Imo people.
Security agencies, regulatory bodies, and relevant authorities have also been alerted to what the government describes as a dangerous and unlawful plot to obstruct a properly licensed company from performing its statutory duties. The state maintains that no entity, no matter how influential, will be allowed to sabotage a project designed to improve the quality of life for all Imo residents. Any deliberate attempt to destabilize the state’s electricity sector, it warns, will be met with full legal and institutional measures.
The announcement was signed by Declan Emelumba,
Honourable Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Imo State Government.
Business
Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers
The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.
The statement read
“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.
The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.
This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.
Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”
News
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.
DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.
Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.
The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.
Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.
The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.
Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.
News
11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”
The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.
Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)
“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads
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