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Frustrated Ebonyi market women gathered in large numbers on Monday outside the Ochudo State Secretariat in Abakaliki to protest what they termed excessive taxation imposed by the current administration.

The women, primarily yam sellers from the Margaret Umahi International Market, marched from their market to the secretariat to voice their grievances over recent tax hikes that they claim have made their livelihoods increasingly difficult.

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As they attempted to reach the Governor’s office at the new Government House, security personnel locked the gate to the secretariat to prevent their entry.

Mrs. Imo Nweze, the leader of the protesters, accused revenue collectors of imposing arbitrary and frequent tax increases.

She noted that transportation costs for their goods have skyrocketed due to fees imposed on drivers entering the market.

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“We are yam sellers. We were initially asked to move to a new location after the government completed construction of open stalls. However, these stalls are unsuitable for our products, resulting in significant losses,” Nweze explained.

She detailed the escalation of daily fees from N50 to N400, emphasizing that many women are widows who rely on their business to support their families.

“Most of us have had to use union funds to cover these costs, which has nearly depleted our account.”

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Nweze further highlighted that transportation costs for drivers have also surged, as they face charges ranging from N10,000 to N20,000 to enter the market, leading to increased fares and reduced profits for the sellers.

“We have come to plead with our Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and his wife, Mrs. Mary-Mauduline Nwifuru, to assist us. We elected him, and we trust he will not let us suffer,” she said.

In response to the protest, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike, praised the women for their peaceful demonstration.

She conveyed that the governor and his wife were unavailable but had sent her to receive their complaints.

“I have noted your grievances and will relay them to the governor immediately. I am confident he will address them swiftly,” Umezurike assured the protesters.

The Commissioner for Markets Development and Parks, Nwogo Obasi, also spoke to the media, promising to investigate the reported tax increases with the Board of Internal Revenue.

“If any increases are found, we will hold the responsible agents accountable. The governor prioritizes the welfare of the people and advocates for lower taxes for low-income earners,” he stated.

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Oguejiofor Ujam, a professor of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has regained his freedom.

DAILY GAZETTE previously reported that Prof. Ujam was abducted around 8 a.m. on Sunday along the Ugwogo-Opi Nsukka Road.

According to reports, Ujam managed to escape his captors near Nine Mile.

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He hails from Akegbe-Ugwu in Nkanu West LGA, Enugu, and currently serves as the Director of General Studies at the University of Nigeria.

More detail soon….

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Business owners in Bauchi, Gombe, and Jigawa are experiencing significant losses due to a week-long blackout caused by vandalism of power transmission lines in northern Nigeria.

The extended disruption in electricity supply has adversely affected essential services such as water, sanitation, street lighting, and healthcare, with many hospitals operating without power.

Local shopkeepers, millers, and artisans shared their frustrations with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), labeling the situation as “pathetic.”

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The survey highlighted the chronic issues of national grid failures and the urgent need for alternative power sources.

Rice millers in Gombe have particularly lamented the effects of inconsistent power supply on their operations.

Musa Arab, a miller located in Nassarawo Industrial Layout, emphasized that power outages have crippled their processing capabilities, as they rely on grid electricity to operate their machinery.

The soaring costs of petrol and diesel have made it unaffordable for them to use generators, leading to decreased rice supply and raising concerns over food security.

Arab stated, “We must invest in power because it is the biggest determining factor for industries to thrive. I have over 20 workers in my mill, and we have 100 mini rice mills here, so you can imagine those who have no jobs for the past 10 days. The government must take strong action against those responsible for the recurring grid failures, as it appears some may be profiting from it.”

Yusuf Ibrahim warned that the blackout could exacerbate inflation, as prices for local rice varieties have already begun to rise due to diminished supply.

He noted that some sellers have increased their prices to offset diesel expenses, impacting overall rice prices.

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A check by NAN at the Gombe Main market revealed that a 100-kilogram bag of rice now sells for between N120,000 and N160,000, up from N110,000 to N150,000 prior to the blackout.

Rice dealer Usman Sani explained that while prices initially fell with the harvest, they have since surged due to power outages.

Ugochukwu Daniel, a bartender in Bauchi, criticized the unreliable electricity supply, stating that consistent energy is vital for Nigeria’s social and economic advancement.

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He mentioned spending heavily on fuel for generators to keep his restaurant operational.

“My trade depends on chilled drinks, and without electricity, it’s impossible to maintain business. We need stable electricity for prosperity,” he said.

Similarly, Samuel Adamu expressed that ongoing power outages have forced him to resort to charcoal for ironing clothes, despite its increased cost.

He noted that the price for charcoal has skyrocketed from N5,000 to N15,000, prompting a shift in how laundry services are structured to manage expenses.

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To mitigate these challenges, Adamu advocated for the development of renewable energy sources and called on security agencies to enhance the protection of electrical installations.

In related news, Muhammad Adamu, Chairman of the Jigawa State House Assembly Committee on Power and Energy, announced that the Jigawa Electricity Law 2024 aims to improve power generation and distribution within the state.

This legislation arises from changes in the constitution that shifted power regulation from the executive to the legislative domain.

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“The new law will establish the Jigawa Electricity Commission, ensuring the regulation of the electricity market while protecting residents and investors. It will facilitate reliable and affordable power essential for economic development, especially in rural areas,” Adamu stated.

He emphasized that addressing vandalism is critical, as communities often bear the financial burden for repairs when issues arise with power supply, despite payments made to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for services.

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An e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh, alleging assault.

A video that circulated on social media depicts the lawmaker verbally and physically attacking the driver after Abuwatseya suggested that Ikwechegh come out to collect the snail he was meant to deliver.

In the footage, the visibly enraged representative for Aba North and South Federal Constituency expressed that the driver’s request was disrespectful due to his social status.

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Ikwechegh further threatened to make the driver “disappear” without repercussions.

When the driver asked for the delivery fee, the politician slapped him multiple times, questioning if the driver understood who he was speaking to.

The Nigeria Police Force has acknowledged the incident, and the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has summoned the lawmaker for questioning.

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In a petition dated October 28, Abuwatseya, through his lawyer Marvin Omorogbe from Deji Adeyanju & Partners law firm, accused Ikwechegh of grievous assault, abuse of power, attempted murder, and threats to life.

He noted that not taking the food into the compound aligns with established protocols for e-hailing services and expressed disappointment at the lawmaker’s behavior.

The petition stated, “Our client is a bolt driver and a hard-working Nigerian citizen. It is our client’s information that at about 9pm on October 27, 2024, he was contracted by a vendor to deliver some food to Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh at his residence in Maitama, Abuja.”

The petition continues, “Regrettably, upon getting to Hon. Ikwechegh’s residence, he requested that our client bring the food into his premises, contrary to the laid down policies regulating bolt drivers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Our client politely refused the request and urged Hon. Ikwechegh to send someone to pick up the food outside the gate, as is customary with delivery services.”

In response to the driver’s refusal, the petition alleges, “Hon. Ikwechegh physically assaulted our client, tore his clothes, threatened to make him ‘disappear’ from Nigeria and repeatedly dared our client to call the Inspector General of Police, while threatening that nothing will happen to him.”

The petition also details how Ikwechegh allegedly caused Abuwatseya to be detained at the Maitama Police Station and had his car seized by the Investigative Police Officer.

It mentions that a video recording of the incident is attached for reference.

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Highlighting the lawmaker’s position, the petition argues, “As a serving member of the Federal House of Representatives, whose primary duties include making laws for the safety of Nigerians, we find Hon. Ikwechegh’s actions were totally distasteful and a threat to our client’s safety.”

The letter emphasizes the seriousness of the threats made, stating, “At a time when several Nigerians are increasingly being subjected to enforced disappearance by state and non-state actors, we particularly find Hon. Ikwechegh’s threat to cause our client’s disappearance as a national issue that deserves immediate investigation.”

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The petition concludes with a request: “It is in the light of the foregoing that we kindly request that you investigate the issues raised in this petition with a view to prosecuting Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh.”

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In response to a ministerial directive for beggars and scavengers to vacate the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), security forces executed a coordinated operation on Monday, leading to the arrest of 34 individuals—15 beggars and 19 scavengers.

Authorities stated that those apprehended will be taken to a rehabilitation center for vocational training, while individuals unwilling to engage in skill acquisition will be sent back to their home states.

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The operation involved personnel from various security agencies, including the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, labeled the initiative a “national assignment” and instructed operatives to remain professional yet firm in enforcing the ministerial orders.

“This operation will continue for the next two weeks, after which we will evaluate our progress and determine whether to extend it,” Disu noted.

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The Director of Security in the FCT Administration, Adamu Gwary, announced that operations would occur day and night to ensure effectiveness.

Four operational groups were established to cover key areas, including the city center, airport road, Kubwa axis, and surrounding neighborhoods such as Asokoro and Nyanya.

While no beggars were found in the city center—most having reportedly gone into hiding—15 beggars and 19 scavengers were apprehended in other locations.

Officials observed that many were alerted by the minister’s announcement, although some attempted to remain in the area.

Kaka Bello, head of enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEBP), emphasized that the operation aims not only to address begging and scavenging but also to eliminate other forms of urban nuisance, including roadside trading.

Dr. Sani Rabe, Director of Social Welfare for the FCT Administration, detailed the next steps for the arrested individuals.

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“Those willing to learn will be provided with training opportunities at a rehabilitation center in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council, while those resistant to training will face repatriation to their states of origin.”