News
Oyo Senator, Balogun breaks silence, kicks against electricity tariff hike
Senator Kola Balogun, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, last Thursday broke silence on the electricity tariff hike.
Balogun, who is also a member of the Senate Committee on Power kicked against the increase in electricity tariff implemented by power distribution companies across the country, just as he absolved the Senate of being part of the decision.
The lawmaker maintained that any policy that will further inflict more hardship on the masses will always be rejected.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had on August 27 informed that electricity tariff reviews, going forward will only follow service-based principles.
According to NERC, DiSCos will only be able to review tariff rates for customers when they consult with them and commit to increasing the number of hours of supply per day and quality of service.
Senator Balogun, during a media parley with the Southwest Group of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital further disclosed how the Committee rejected the plan to increase electricity tarrif at a meeting organised by the National Electricity Regularly Commission (NERC), in Lagos.
“Sometimes last year, NERC invited us to a meeting in Lagos where they came up with this proposal to increase electricity tariff and quite a number of us on that day rejected it out rightly, we said we will not support it.
“Because, how can you charge people for what they are not getting? That’s our position. Go and improve on your performances.
“Look at the telecoms. When NITEL was unbundled and we now have GSM, people are willing to pay, they are still paying because they are getting the services .
“So, how can I go back to my district and tell them that I agreed with the tariff to pay more for what they are not getting, it doesn’t make sense. I know we spoke against it and we left it at that. So we didn’t support it”, he explained.
Balogun, however continued, “But, it is safe for us to pass a law or amend an act to stop any situation, that is what is binding. As we speak I still don’t support it because timing is wrong, even if they have enough reasons to increase, how can you do that at this material time of COVID?”, he questioned.
The PDP chieftain noted that the problem in power sector started with the way and manner the system was unbundled. He alleged that the players lacked the wherewithal; both technical and financial muscle to perform optimally.
“Already we have 8,000MW, deliverable is still about 3,000-4,000MW; because they are not investing in transmission infrastructure.
“So, they don’t give them more than they can take, because if the load goes back, it will damage the system. And of course, distribution also has its own problem.
“If we have 5,000 MW deliverables, Nigerians will witness mass improvement in our electricity supply and then you can imagine if we have about 7, 000 MW deliverables.
“They said they don’t have the off takers which is not true. They also complained about inability to collect revenues from the general public and that the federal government is also owing them a lot of money. But, we say go and get prepaid meters. So what the federal government is trying to do now is likely to procure prepaid meters for them. If you have prepaid meters you make more money because nobody will take your electricity without paying”, he submitted.
Balogun also commended the federal government for bringing Siemens to invest in transmission infrastructure.
According to him, “What the federal government is doing now, I am in support of it. The federal government is bringing Siemens to invest in transmission infrastructure. In fact it took a little argument before the owners of the transmission business allowed that to happen because there is always an agreement.
“In fact, we have to really be diplomatic, almost being persuasive for them to allow Siemens to come in and they have done a lot of feasibility study and they are bringing in almost everything that we would need to invest in transmission infrastructure; although with a loan from France”, he added.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing the act as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.
Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for swift justice to assuage the pain of the victims’ families.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.
The Senate President urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to book without delay.
“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served to prevent further occurrences and reassure Nigerians of their safety.”
Akpabio further emphasised the need for unity in the face of violence, calling on Nigerians to resist divisions that could arise from such tragic events.
“As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding. We cannot afford to let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria.”
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Edo State, praying for divine comfort in their time of grief.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Edo State. May God grant the departed peaceful rest and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged the Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fasting and encouraged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, self-discipline, and devotion to God, which Ramadan represents.
He emphasised that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about fostering compassion, patience, and love for one another—values he described as crucial for national unity and development.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, I encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the noble virtues of Ramadan. Let the spirit of sacrifice, empathy, and community service guide our actions beyond this season,” the statement read.
Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also underscored the importance of national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work together to promote peace and stability. He called on leaders at all levels of government to implement policies that address economic challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural development.
He further reassured his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido of his commitment to quality representation, pledging to continue advocating for policies that prioritise their welfare and development.
Oseni also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach unity and patriotism, stating that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate responsibly while remembering to extend kindness to the less privileged. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and grant our nation lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Oladiran Alabi, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement on Sunday, Alabi commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion and sacrifices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing the need to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and compassion beyond the fasting period.
He said, “The end of Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Almighty Allah accepts their supplications and rewards them abundantly.”
Alabi also emphasised the importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges, urging leaders and citizens alike to foster harmony irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity. It is imperative that we work together to promote peace and development. I call on all Nigerians to prioritise national interest above personal or sectional gains,” he added.
He further urged political leaders to implement policies that would improve the welfare of the people, enhance economic growth, and strengthen security across the country.
The APC stalwart prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.
-
News5 days agoAlleged KGB Infiltration: Police in Dilemma as Senator Natasha Abandons Petition, Snubs Summons
-
News4 days ago
Rep. Oseni Condoles Late Gov. Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families Over Bisola’s Passing
-
News1 week ago
Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts Push 80,000 Nigerian Children to Brink of Starvation – UNICEF
-
News1 week ago
Trump Ends Legal Status for Over 500,000 Immigrants, Orders Mass Expulsions
