Governor Alex Otti’s administration has introduced a new tax targeting signposts displayed by churches in Abia State, sparking controversy and pushback from the religious community.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia State Chapter, has voiced strong objections, stating that Abia is the only state in the country enforcing such a tax on churches.

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In a letter addressed to the Governor, signed by CAN’s State Chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, and Secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, the association warned that the policy might lead many Christians in the state to view the government as hostile towards the church.

The letter urged Governor Otti to reconsider the tax, emphasizing the need for a fair resolution.

“We earnestly appeal to Your Excellency to reconsider this policy as a matter of urgency, to prevent the Body of Christ in the state from perceiving this administration as anti-church,” the letter stated.

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CAN has also proposed a roundtable discussion with Abia’s Christian leaders to seek a mutually acceptable solution to the matter.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has officially ended its operations in Enugu State, handing over its distribution responsibilities to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, a subsidiary of EEDC.

This transition marks a significant regulatory shift, with the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) assuming oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

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In a ceremony held in Enugu, the Chairman/CEO of EERC, Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, presented an interim operating license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited. Okonkwo urged Mainpower to prioritize reliable, efficient, and sustainable power delivery to residents of Enugu State.

He emphasized the importance of accountability and collaboration with EERC to ensure the growth of the electricity sector.

With the issuance of the license, EEDC’s operations in Enugu State have officially concluded, transferring full regulatory and operational control to Mainpower.

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This also means that NERC will no longer regulate the electricity market in Enugu, which now falls under EERC’s jurisdiction.

Mr. Kester Enwereonu, a Board member of Mainpower, described the successful transition as a milestone for power sector reforms.

He outlined Mainpower’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies and innovative processes to overcome traditional challenges in electricity distribution.

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Enwereonu highlighted that Mainpower’s approach will be data-driven, focusing on enhancing efficiency and ensuring consistent power delivery throughout the state.

“This is a forward-looking step for Enugu State,” Enwereonu remarked.

“With the regulatory guidance of EERC, our dedication to operational excellence, and the backing of our stakeholders, Mainpower is prepared to deliver the quality improvements that the people of Enugu deserve.”

Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, Managing Director of Mainpower, was also in attendance at the licensing ceremony.

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This transition aligns with the provisions of the recently signed Electricity Act, which enables Nigerian states to generate, transmit, and distribute power independently.

States are now required to establish their own regulatory bodies to oversee local electricity markets and grant licenses to investors.

Consequently, NERC will transfer its oversight responsibilities to state-based commissions, such as the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC).

As a result, EEDC’s presence in Enugu State concludes, while Mainpower assumes its role as the state’s sole electricity distributor. EEDC will continue its operations in other southeastern states, including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo.

Emeka Ezeh, Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC
22/10/2024

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Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, is currently detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, following his recent arrest.

A police source confirmed to Channels Television that Bobrisky spent the night in custody at the FCID facility.

According to the source, he was brought to the FCID for safekeeping after being apprehended by officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) while attempting to leave the country through the Seme border.

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“He is here temporarily, and we are awaiting further instructions regarding his case,” the source said, noting that Bobrisky was brought to the FCID around 10 p.m. on Monday after his arrest.

Aminat Mayegun, the spokesperson for the FCID Annex in Lagos, also confirmed Bobrisky’s detention, stating that the department was working to secure a remand order to keep him in custody.

“Yes, he is with us, and we are in the process of obtaining the necessary documentation to hold him,” she said briefly over the phone.

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The Nigeria Immigration Service, in a statement released on Monday evening by its spokesperson Kenneth Udo, clarified the reasons behind the arrest.

Udo described Okuneye as a person of interest due to several recent public controversies.

“Nigeria Immigration Service intercepted Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, at the Seme border while he was attempting to leave the country. This action is part of our commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders,” the statement read.

The statement also mentioned that Bobrisky is currently undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action based on the outcome of the investigation.

Agency Report, 

Report emerged on how popular cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, was arrested at Seme Border on Monday.

Witnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Bobrisky arrived at the departure axis of the border post around 1.30 a.m. on Monday in a black SUV Mercedes Benz.

According to the sources, Bobrisky was first stopped by Port Health officials on duty but the driver didn’t stop until he got to Immigration check-point.

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“Idris handed over his passport to the driver for stamping at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) post.

“The immigration surveillance officer, identified as Yusuf, while going through the passport, detected that the person inside the vehicle was Bobrisky.

“He called the most senior officer on duty to the scene, and they secretly invited the Controller of Immigration, Seme Command, Mr Muhammad Adamu.

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“The surveillance officer then went back to invite Bobrisky for capturing in order to stamp the passport.

“On getting to the surveillance unit for capturing, he was taken to the controller’s office for questioning,” a source told NAN.

Another source told NAN that Bobrisky’s lawyer later came to Seme to inquire why he was arrested by the personnel of the immigration command.

“Bobrisky stayed inside the controller’s office until 4.00 p.m, when he was taken to Lagos State Command of NIS for further investigation,” the source said.

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The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Mr Kenneth Udo, said Bobrisky was arrested because he “is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern”.

Udo, in a statement issued in Abuja, said: “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, NIS intercepted Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to exit the country.

He said that Bobrisky was undergoing interrogation and would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

(NAN)