Electricity: Senate supports reforms, re-capitalisation of DisCos

AgegePulse Magazine

 The Senate says it wants a robust power sector road map that will include the generation, transmission and distribution segments in a holistic picture on how to resolve power supply challenges.

The Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed, who disclosed this at a quarterly press conference in Abuja, said that was aimed at further expanding and stabilizing the grid.

A statement by TCN said the Senate also declared its support for the proposal to recapitalise the Distribution Companies (DisCos). It advised that the 40 per cent holding of the Federal Government as stipulated in the Power Privatisation Act 2005 might be more beneficial if it was sold to foreign investors with technical know-how.

DailyTrust

Lagos West deserves better representation – Opeifa

Gbenga Adeniji

A former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, has said the desire to provide a better representation is the reason he is vying for the All Progressives Congress’ ticket in the Lagos West senatorial district.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the APC chieftain in Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, stated that he would give the district the deserved attention if given the opportunity to serve.

The ex-commissioner is eyeing the position which is currently occupied by Senator Adeola Olamilekan.

Opeifa said, “I will ensure a better representation as well as bring the plight of the people of the senatorial district to the attention of the Federal Government if given the opportunity to serve. I believe my representation will not only benefit the people of my senatorial district, but also the entire country as I will ensure a robust debate in the Assembly.

“I believe Lagos West deserves better representation that is full- time. As the largest senatorial district in the country; some of its constituents are bigger than the population of a state and I believe it can be better.”

Dismissing insinuations that the party leadership had endorsed a candidate for the position, he added that the party always provided a level-playing field for members desiring to contest any position

Opeifa further said what was needed on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway was more than a motion.

He noted, “What we need is not just a motion, but a collaboration between the state and the Federal Government. I will ensure that it further receive the attention of the Federal Government so that it can receive national attention.”

Punch

BREAKING: National Assembly calls off Tuesday reconvening

John Ameh

The National Assembly will not reconvene on Tuesday (tomorrow), The PUNCH has just learnt, contrary to public expectation.

At the House of Representatives, its spokesman, Mr Abdulrazak Namdas, told The PUNCH that the House in truth, had yet to decide on a reconvening date.

Ironically, it was the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Yussuff Lasun, who, last week, announced that the National Assembly would reconvene on Tuesday (tomorrow) to consider the budget for the 2019 polls and other pending issues forwarded to lawmakers by President Muhammadu Buhari in July.

Punch

Talks of offers from Buhari or APC unfortunate, Saraki says

President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has debunked speculations of offers being made to him by the Presidency and All Progressives Congress to keep him in the party.

He said that though there had had been discussions on some national issues, talks of offers to him by APC leadership or President Muhammadu Buhari was not only untrue but unfortunate.

The media had reported that the Presidency and APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, had made overtures to influential leaders of Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), which had stalled their planned mass defection from the party.

The  reports had said that Buhari, his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo; and four APC governors allegedly met on Thursday with Saraki, to discuss the grievances of R-APC and some other members.

Oshiomhole was also said to have met one-on-one with Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and governors of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal and Samuel Ortom of Benue states.
Oshiomhole was also reported to have met with former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwakwaso; and APC caucus in the National Assembly, with a view to dousing the defection threat.

But in a statement on Monday in Abuja by Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Saraki said was myopic for anybody to talk about certain offers being made to an individual.
He said that the future of the country and its democracy were at stake, and not the issue of give-and-take.
Saraki said, “I saw some reports talking about promise of money or oil block and nomination tickets.
“Those viewing the ongoing development in that context are simply reducing a major national issue involving many key actors to that of personal benefits and preferences.

I believe at this point (that) it is important for me to make some clarifications, end speculations and make my position clear.
“It is important for Nigerians to know that the discussions that I and many others of like minds are having with the Presidency and leadership of APC is not about me and what I want.

“It involves the future of our country and her democracy. It is about making things better for our people.
“Though there are many speculations being peddled in the media, let it be known that these discussions are not about me.

“Our focus should now be about Nigeria. The major issue on the table for discussion is how to strengthen our democracy, rebuild our economy and stop the spate of insecurity.

“It is also to improve the conditions of living of our people and generally chart a course for the development of this great country.”

(NAN)