Politics
Reps to intervene over electricity bill hike at University of Jos
The House of Representatives has promised to intervene over the hike in electricity bill at the University of Jos which has placed the university under Band A.
Rep. Abubakar Fulata, the Chairman, House Committee on University Education, said this in a statement on Wednesday after the committee`s oversight visit to the school.
Fulata said such a hike was unacceptable, promising to work with other relevant House Committees, Ministries, Departments and Agencies and stakeholders to ensure the issue is addressed as soon as possible.
Fulata stressed the need to ensure that federal character principle was adhered to in recruitment in federal universities.
He said that the federal university is not a state-owned institution; hence every state in the country including FCT should be fairly captured.
Fulata said his committee is determined to do everything within its power to improve the standard of education, hence the visit.
He said the committee was examining how the previous allocations from the federal government, and internally generated revenue were utilised to ensure compliance with the appropriation Act.
Fulata said the committee was aware of the roles of the university council which included, employment, promotion among others, adding that the power of appropriation is vested in the parliament.
He said that irrespective of any law establishing the university, any section that conflicts with any section of the 1999 Constitution would become inferior, null and void.
Rep Victor Ogene, a member of the committee called on the authorities of University of Jos to judiciously use the available resources allocated to it.
He said that the university like any other government body might not get all that was required in terms of funds, but effective and efficient use of available funds would help a lot.
Earlier, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, called on the committee to intervene over the disconnection of the school from public light by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company.
Ishaya said the entire University of Jos had been plunged into darkness for over a month due to the hike in electricity tariff.
According to him, prior to the grouping of electricity consuming customers which placed the university in Band A, the electricity bill of the school stood at N20 million to N25 million per month.
“But with the classification, the bill jumps to about N79 million to N80 million every month which is practically impossible to be paid due to lack of funds.
He urged the company to remove the university from Band A, adding that the university management was finding it difficult to pay the regular bill of about N25 million per month.
Ishaya said that the situation became worse after the classification of the electricity users placing the university in Band A.(NAN
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A 13-member interim State Coordinating Council (SCC) of the Obidient Movement for Kaduna State has been constituted.
The appointments, confirmed in a formal letter signed by National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa, aimed at marking a strategic effort to strengthen grassroots mobilization and governance advocacy in the region.
According toYunusa, “The Obidient Movement reiterated its commitment to service, inclusion, and people-first leadership, urging appointees to confirm their roles via the NCC’s official link. Dr. Yunusa emphasized: This council embodies our resolve to build a New Nigeria from the ground up.”
He explained that the SCC would spearhead initiatives to deepen political education, coordinate advocacy campaigns, and foster collaboration with civil society and faith-based group.
The National Coordinator ztated, “The Obidient Movement continues to consolidate its presence nationwide, with Kaduna’s SCC expected to play a pivotal role in shaping its 2027 political strategy. The state’s socio-political significance in Northern Nigeria makes this appointment critical for broader national influence.”
The Kaduna state SCC interim members are
Elder Yusuf Solomon Danbaki – State Coordinator, Lawal Umar– Secretary, Barr. Kate Issue – Legal Advisor, Muhammed Liman – Grassroot Mobiliser, Jemimah Ebiega – Member and Mal. Ilyasu Muhammad – Member.
Others are Natty Auta – Member, Mal. Jabir Ibrahim Yaro – Member, Tinok Andrew – Member, Comr. Daniel Ejembi – Member, Mal. Usman Aliyu – Member, Saratu Larai Shekari – Member and Danjuma Saleh – Member.
Christian leaders and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have extended Easter felicitations to Nigerians, urging reflection, compassion, and collective action to address the nation’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, hunger, and political tensions.
In separate statements issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, and Obi emphasised the significance of Easter as a time for spiritual renewal and national introspection.
CAN: Easter Reflects Nigeria’s Faith and Resilience
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, described Easter as the “cornerstone of Christian faith,” symbolising Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.
He noted that in Nigeria, Easter transcends religious observance, embodying a vibrant cultural celebration marked by colourful parades in Lagos and solemn processions in northern villages.
“Easter is a time when families gather, communities unite, and our rich cultural heritage is showcased through music, dance, and festive gatherings,” Okoh said.
He acknowledged the persecution faced by Christians in some regions, yet stressed the enduring spirit of Easter, which inspires resilience and unity.
Okoh urged Christians to engage in acts of kindness, promote interfaith dialogue, and work towards a just society.
“Let us reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Kaigama: A Call to Address Insecurity, Hunger
Archbishop Kaigama struck a sombre tone, highlighting Nigeria’s escalating crises.
He mourned the recent killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State, and ongoing violence in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Bassa areas, where communities have been devastated.
“These attacks underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity,” he said.
Kaigama also decried the widespread hunger and economic hardship gripping the nation.
“Families struggle daily to put food on the table in a nation so richly blessed,” he lamented, calling for collaborative efforts to ensure no Nigerian goes hungry.
Expressing alarm over the rising kidnappings of clergy, Kaigama described such acts as a “blow to the conscience of the nation.”
He further addressed the political crisis in Rivers State, where a state of emergency was declared, cautioning against actions that could deepen divisions.
“No democracy can thrive without a culture of give and take,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and the welfare of citizens.
Kaigama also condemned the “acrimonious political rhetoric” fuelling tensions, urging politicians to focus on governance rather than power struggles.
“Nigeria needs healing, not hostility,” he asserted, calling for accountability and protection for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or faith.
Obi: Pray for Compassionate Leaders
Peter Obi, in a message signed by his spokesperson Ibrahim Umar, called on Nigerians to use Easter to pray for compassionate leaders who prioritise the people’s welfare. He described Easter as a celebration of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, offering a timely opportunity to seek leaders who emulate such selflessness.
“What is apparent in Nigeria today as insecurity and myriads of problems engulf the land is a visible abdication of responsibility by insensitive and indifferent leaders,” Obi said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s abundant natural and human capital should be harnessed to benefit the populace, lamenting the current leadership’s failure to do so.
**A Unified Call for Renewal**
The messages from CAN, Kaigama, and Obi converge on a shared theme: the need for reflection, compassion, and action to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
As Christians celebrate Easter, the leaders’ calls for unity, justice, and better governance resonate amid ongoing struggles with insecurity, economic hardship, and political division.
Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has declared that no politician can win the Nigerian presidency in 2027 without the support of the northern region.
Speaking in a video interview obtained by Elanza in Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed, who appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), emphasized that the North would soon define its political direction.
“In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine. If not, we will go our own way. One thing is clear: nobody can become president of Nigeria without northern support,” he asserted.
He lamented the state of the nation and urged northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians ahead of the next general elections.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now, we are in another government, and we are still crying. Is crying all we know how to do?” Baba-Ahmed asked.
Reflecting on past experiences, he said the North had suffered greatly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all groups Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others highlighting the need for unity.
“Before Buhari became president, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That was a time northerners had to unite. Today, no politician can just show up and expect northerners to fall in line. Who are you?” he questioned.
He warned against further marginalization of the North, noting that continued disregard for the region would have consequences.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria. The North is watching. Elders, masses, and interest groups will soon say ‘enough is enough.’ The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also urged the region to look beyond identity politics, stressing that competence and integrity should guide voter decisions.
“We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want a right leader let him falls from heaven, we just want someone who will solve our problems,” he said.
He concluded by asserting that the northern electorate had learned hard lessons from past choices and would approach 2027 with a new mindset.