Monday, January 12, 2026
Home Blog Page 13

Darkness Looms as National Grid Collapses Again

By
Ola Akinola
-
0

 

Nigerians were plunged into darkness on Monday evening as the national electricity grid suffered another total collapse, slashing power generation to a mere 360 megawatts (MW) and crippling supply across the country.

The incident, which occurred at 17:28 hours, marks the fourth total grid failure of 2025 and the eighth this year, with three of those collapses happening within a single week. The repeated failures highlight persistent vulnerabilities in the nation’s power infrastructure despite ongoing reform efforts.

A Nation in the Dark: Stark Allocation Disparities

Data from the system collapse revealed a dire and uneven distribution of the limited available power. Only 11 distribution companies (DisCos) received any allocation, with several major regions left with nothing.

· Ibadan DisCo received the highest allocation at 105MW.

· Ikeja DisCo followed with 65MW.

· Kaduna DisCo received 55MW.

· Critical commercial hubs were severely impacted, as Jos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Yola DisCos received zero megawatts, exacerbating blackouts across northern and southern regions.

The total supply of 360MW is a fraction of the grid’s average output and grossly inadequate for a nation of over 200 million people.

Root Causes and Official Response

Officials from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the collapse, attributing it to systemic generation shortfalls and faults on key transmission lines. They vowed to restore the grid within hours.

Industry analysts point to a combination of critical failures, including recent explosions on the vital Lagos-Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline, unexpected tripping of power stations, and other technical malfunctions within the aging infrastructure.

The contrast with regional peers is stark: Nigeria’s grid currently generates about 4,500MW on average, while South Africa, with a smaller population, maintains a generation capacity of approximately 50,000MW.

Deepening Economic and Social Crisis

The collapse has drawn sharp criticism from consumers and industry stakeholders. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) warned of deepening economic losses due to halted production and increased operational costs.

“This worsening performance of the national grid is definitely an issue of grave concern to the business community,” said a statement from industry observers. “Each collapse erodes confidence and inflicts direct financial damage on an economy struggling to grow.”

Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, has yet to issue an official statement on the latest failure, which comes amid federal government promises of investment in renewable energy integration and gas supply reforms.

As restoration efforts continue, millions of households and businesses remain without power, facing yet another night of uncertainty and highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s perennial electricity crisis.

Why PDP Had No Choice but to Set Up Caretaker Committee — Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has offered a staunch legal defense for the Peoples Democratic Party’s decision to establish a 13-member caretaker committee, framing it as an obligatory move mandated by the expiration of party offices and binding court judgments.

Wike, a former PDP governor and a key figure in its recent internal crisis, made these remarks during his year-end media chat in Port Harcourt on Monday.

A Constitutional and Legal Imperative

Wike argued that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) was left with no alternative after the tenure of the previous national officers lapsed.

“NEC had no choice. If the executive has expired, somebody must run the affairs of the party,” he stated, positioning the caretaker committee as a necessary administrative bridge.

The minister anchored his argument on judicial authority, questioning the tactics of opposing party factions. He specifically faulted attempts to use interim court orders to challenge the NEC’s decision.

“How can an ex-parte order override two substantive judgments of the Federal High Court?” he asked, implying that the caretaker committee’s establishment had a firmer legal foundation.

Backing INEC’s Stance on Due Process

Wike also expressed support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which declined to recognize a national convention held by a rival faction within the PDP.

“INEC was not part of that so-called convention, and INEC was right,” he said, endorsing the electoral umpire’s insistence on strict adherence to due process and party guidelines.

Context: The Latest in a Series of Rebukes

This defense is the latest in a series of pointed critiques Wike has leveled at the PDP’s internal management over the past week. In earlier segments of the same media chat, he:

· Accused party leaders of destroying the PDP through “selfish ambition.”

· Denied allegations of promising to “hold” the party for President Bola Tinubu.

· Explained that the split of the G5 governors was based on the political principle of zoning.

· Blasted unnamed party actors for treating politics like a “contract business” devoid of grassroots structure.

An Ongoing Battle for Legitimacy

By justifying the caretaker committee on constitutional and legal grounds, Wike seeks to portray his faction’s actions as the legitimate, rule-based path forward. Conversely, he frames the opposition’s reliance on ex-parte orders and disputed conventions as procedural failures.

The establishment of the caretaker committee remains a central point of contention in the PDP’s unresolved leadership crisis, with legal battles likely to continue as the party struggles to reorganize.

World-Renowned Boxer Anthony Joshua Injured in Fatal Ogun State Accident

By
Ola Akinola
-
0

World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident today along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the Makun area of Ogun State, resulting in two fatalities.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred just before the Danco Filling Station. The vehicle carrying the British-Nigerian boxing champion, a Lexus Jeep with the license plate KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck. The circumstances leading to the collision are still under investigation.

Minor Injuries for Joshua, Two Fatalities

Despite the severity of the crash, early reports indicate that Anthony Joshua sustained only minor injuries. However, the accident had tragic consequences, with two individuals confirmed dead at the scene.

Our reporter, who was part of the rescue mission, confirmed these details. Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) were unsuccessful, as calls to the Commandant, Akinbiyi Babatunde, did not connect.

Outpouring of Concern

News of the accident spread rapidly, prompting an immediate and significant outpouring of concern from fans across Nigeria and around the world. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages wishing the former heavyweight world champion a speedy recovery and expressing condolences for the lives lost.

Investigation Ongoing

Local authorities have cordoned off the scene as they continue their investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash on the notoriously busy highway.

More updates on Anthony Joshua’s condition and the official findings of the investigation are expected shortly. The boxing community and his global fanbase await further news with great concern.

Why PDP Had No Choice but to Set Up Caretaker Committee — Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has defended the decision by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to establish a 13-member caretaker committee, arguing it was a constitutionally mandated response to expired tenures and binding court rulings.

Wike made this assertion during his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt on Monday, framing the move as a legal necessity rather than a political choice.

A Matter of Expired Tenure and Legal Compulsion

Wike stated that the party’s leadership had reached a point where administrative action was unavoidable.

“NEC had no choice. If the executive has expired, somebody must run the affairs of the party,” he said, emphasizing that the caretaker committee was formed to fill a legitimate vacuum in the party’s leadership.

Criticising “Ex-Parte” Orders and Upholding Due Process

The minister strongly criticised attempts by some within the party to use interim court orders to challenge the NEC’s decision. He questioned the legal basis of such moves, asking, “How can an ex-parte order override two substantive judgments of the Federal High Court?”

This comment points to an ongoing legal tussle where factions within the PDP have sought different court orders to control the party’s national apparatus.

Wike also justified the stance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which refused to recognise a national convention held by one faction of the party.

“INEC was not part of that so-called convention, and INEC was right,” he added, supporting the electoral body’s position that the convention did not follow due process as required by law.

Positioning Governance Above Factional Politics

Throughout his media chat, Wike consistently sought to separate his current governance role from the PDP’s internal disputes.

He reiterated that his focus as FCT Minister is on service delivery, urging others to do the same. “We must separate politics from governance. My focus is on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the people of the FCT,” he stated in a separate segment of the interview.

The Context of a Broader Party Crisis

This defence of the caretaker committee is the latest chapter in Wike’s very public commentary on the PDP’s crisis. Over the past week, he has used the same forum to:

· Blame the party’s leadership for destroying it through “selfish ambition.”

· Deny allegations of a secret pact with President Tinubu.

· Explain that the G5 governors’ split was based on political principle.

· Criticise party actors for treating politics like a “contract business.”

By defending the NEC’s action as constitutionally sound, Wike is attempting to frame one faction’s moves as the legitimate, rule-based path forward for the PDP, while portraying the opposition as reliant on technicalities and flawed processes.

The establishment of the caretaker committee remains a deeply contentious issue within the PDP, with legal battles likely to continue as the party struggles to find a unified path ahead of future elections.

Politics Is Not Contract Business’ — Wike Blasts PDP Actors Over Ambition

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has launched a fresh broadside against figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of treating politics like a commercial contract to be bought rather than a democratic process to be built.

Wike issued the sharp criticism during his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt on Monday, warning that personal wealth and ambition cannot replace the foundational work required for genuine political success.

A Scathing Critique of “Image-Based” Ambition

In his latest salvo against the party’s internal culture, the former PDP governor drew a clear line between business and politics.

“Politics is not like being a contractor. Politics is not about money. It has different rules,” Wike declared.

He singled out what he termed “image-based ambition,” where individuals seek high office without first cultivating the necessary grassroots support and party structure.

“You have ambition, but ambition must follow the rules. You don’t just wake up and want to hijack a party,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of process and patience.

Warning Against Bypassing Internal Democracy

Wike attributed the PDP’s current legal and structural woes directly to the actions of those who circumvent established party mechanisms. He argued that the disregard for foundational processes has been self-destructive.

“Internal processes such as congresses and zoning were deliberately bypassed, leading to avoidable court battles,” he stated.

This critique points directly to the party’s ongoing crises in states like Ekiti and Osun, where the PDP currently has no candidates due to unresolved internal disputes—a situation Wike had lamented in earlier remarks.

The Latest in a Series of Rebukes

This media chat marks the culmination of a series of pointed public statements from Wike over recent days, where he has:

1. Blamed the PDP leadership for destroying the party and creating a “self-inflicted one-party state.”

2. Vehemently denied allegations that he promised to “hold” the PDP for President Bola Tinubu.

3. Insisted that the G5 governors’ fallout was based on political principle, not personal betrayal or financial gain.

The consistent theme across all his statements is a condemnation of what he sees as the erosion of principle, internal democracy, and due process within the PDP, replaced by personal ambition and transactional politics.

As the PDP grapples with these very public indictments from one of its most influential former members, the party faces mounting pressure to address its internal fractures or risk further decline ahead of future elections.

G5 Crisis: Wike Says Fallout Was Political, Not Personal

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has stated that the fallout among the group of five PDP governors known as the “G5” was driven by political principles, not personal betrayal or financial gain.

Speaking during his year-end media chat in Port Harcourt, Wike pushed back against the narrative that the group’s internal disagreement was motivated by personal vendetta or monetary inducement, describing such claims as “false and deliberately misleading.”

Founded on Principle, Divided by the Same

Wike clarified that the G5—comprising himself, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi—was formed on a foundational political agreement within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We said it was only fair that the presidency should go to the South. That was the basis of our position,” Wike stated, reiterating the group’s stand on the contentious issue of zoning ahead of the 2023 election.

He insisted this shared commitment to “justice, equity and zoning” was the core of their alliance.

Denying Betrayal and “Secret Deals”

The minister directly addressed two prevalent accusations stemming from his support for President Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).

First, he rejected the notion that his backing of Tinubu was a betrayal, stating his position had been clear from the outset. “From day one, I made it clear that I would support the President,” he said. He linked this to his earlier denial of promising to “hold PDP” for Tinubu, asking, “How can I turn around and tell the same President that I would ‘hold PDP’ for him? It does not make sense.”

Second, Wike dismissed suggestions that his political choices were influenced by expectations of personal reward or financial benefit. “When people say I benefited, I ask: what exactly did I benefit? I did not collect money, and there was no secret deal,” he asserted.

A Call for Principle-Driven Politics

Concluding his remarks, Wike framed the disagreement as an inevitable result of sticking to political ideals. He argued that such differences should not be reduced to personal attacks.

“Politics should be about justice, fairness and the interest of the people, not personal ambition,” he said, urging political actors to separate governance from propaganda and focus on delivering value to citizens.

This latest explanation from Wike seeks to reframe the narrative around the G5’s disintegration, portraying it as an ideological split rather than a collapse fueled by personal grievances. The clarification comes amidst his ongoing, very public dispute with the national leadership of the PDP.

Wike Downplays ADC’s Rise, Affirms PDP as Strongest Opposition to APC Ahead of 2027

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected notions that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is building significant momentum as an opposition force for the 2027 elections, asserting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is still the most viable party to mount a serious challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

During his annual end-of-year media interaction on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike characterised claims of ADC’s growing influence as overhyped and out of touch with on-ground realities.

“If any opposition is to truly contest the APC, it ought to be the PDP,” Wike declared. “I keep hearing about ADC rising—where exactly? Name a single state where that’s happening. I dislike this kind of headline-driven politics. All politics is local.”

He also brushed aside speculation that he might defect to the ADC on January 1, emphasising that real political power stems from robust grassroots structures, not sensational media reports.

On the prospects of a 2023 presidential rematch in 2027, the ex-Rivers governor noted that the political landscape has evolved, especially for the opposition.

“The PDP might not be positioned to capture the presidency now,” he conceded, “but that doesn’t rule out winning governorships and other seats across states.”

Wike stressed that victories at state and local levels hinge on effective leadership, public trust, and solid organisational frameworks.

“Once people trust you, don’t squander it. That trust isn’t easily lost,” he advised.

He highlighted the critical role of local government structures—councillors, chairmen, and state legislators—in determining electoral outcomes.

“Control the grassroots: the councillors, the chairmen. No amount of funding can substitute for genuine structure,” Wike pointed out.

With 2026 shaping up as a pivotal year for party primaries and preparations, Wike urged political actors to organise early.

“Next year is all about politics—primaries everywhere. Get your house in order if you aim to succeed,” he said.

He further argued that visible governance achievements are a major vote-driver, referencing ongoing projects in the FCT under the present administration.

“Performance breeds sympathy and support. Voters reward what they can see and touch,” Wike noted, adding that rural communities are particularly responsive to concrete developments over empty rhetoric.

“Visit the villages—you’ll see votes emerging from tangible impacts, not just party slogans.”

In closing, the FCT Minister maintained that 2027 success will rely more on proven credibility, strong local structures, and delivery than on superficial coalitions or agreements.

I Never Told Tinubu I Would Hold PDP’ — Wike Dismisses Allegations as ‘Blatant Lie’

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

In a fiery pushback against deepening factional claims within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has categorically denied ever telling President Bola Tinubu that he would “hold” the opposition party for him.

Wike described the allegation, which he attributed to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, as “a blatant lie” and a product of political frustration.

The denial came during Wike’s end-of-year media chat held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, marking another public escalation in the internal crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party.

A Denial of Political Collusion

Wike was emphatic in refuting the suggestion of a secret pact with the sitting President, who is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“That is a blatant lie. There was never a meeting where I said to Mr President, ‘I will hold PDP for you,’” Wike declared.

He clarified the context of his post-election visit to President Tinubu, stating it was informal and unrelated to any scheme to control the PDP.

“We went to see the President after elections to discuss certain issues. It was not a meeting booked for that purpose,” he explained.

Attributing Motive to “Frustration”

The minister suggested that the allegation stemmed from the internal pressures and failures within the PDP, implying that his political opponents are lashing out.

“Frustration can make you do a lot of things that will cause damage,” Wike stated, indirectly commenting on the state of the party he once helped lead as a key governor and campaigner.

This latest denial follows Wike’s strong criticism just days earlier, where he blamed the PDP’s national leadership for “destroying” the party through selfish ambitions and creating a “self-inflicted one-party state.”

A Widening Rift

The public airing of this specific allegation and its forceful denial points to a severe breakdown of trust at the highest levels of the PDP. It highlights the personal and acrimonious nature of the party’s internal strife, which has already led to a loss of structure in states like Ekiti and Osun.

 

Wike Accuses PDP Leadership of Destroying Party, Warns Against Self-Inflicted One-Party State

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), blaming them for the party’s deepening crisis and warning that their actions are creating a “one-party state” in Nigeria.

Speaking during his end-of-year media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the former PDP governor placed the responsibility for the party’s shrinking electoral fortunes squarely on what he termed “selfish ambition, poor leadership, and refusal to heed advice.”

“The internal mismanagement of the PDP, rather than any external interference, is responsible for where we are today,” Wike stated. “Something that would have been easily solved was allowed to destroy the party.”

A Party in Disarray: No Candidates, No Unity

Wike pointed to specific states where the party’s internal conflicts have had crippling consequences, leaving it without a viable structure or candidates for crucial elections.

“Today, PDP has no candidate in Ekiti State. PDP has no candidate in Osun State. Who caused it?” he asked rhetorically, highlighting the tangible outcomes of the leadership’s “reckless decisions.”

The Irony of a Self-Made “One-Party State”

The FCT Minister delivered his most pointed criticism on the concept of a one-party state, a scenario often raised by opposition figures as a threat from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a stark reversal, Wike argued that the PDP leadership is itself engineering this outcome through its actions.

“You are the one creating a one-party state, yet you are accusing the government of wanting a one-party state. It doesn’t make sense,” he declared.

This accusation frames the PDP’s internal strife not just as a party problem, but as a failure with direct consequences for Nigeria’s democratic health.

A Call Amidst Crisis

Wike’s remarks are the latest and among the most direct from a senior party figure, laying bare the severe fractures within the PDP since its loss in the 2023 general elections and the subsequent internal battles for control.

The media briefing served as a public airing of grievances that have been simmering for months, signaling that the party’s path to reconciliation remains fraught with significant obstacles.

As of now, the national leadership of the PDP has not issued an official response to the minister’s allegations.

Tinubu Writes Off N9.4tn NNPC Debt Amidst Plummeting Oil Revenue

By
Ola Akinola
-
0

President Bola Tinubu has authorised the cancellation of N9.4 trillion ($1.42bn and N5.57tn) in historic debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to the Federation Account, a move that clears the state oil firm’s books of nearly all legacy liabilities but ignites fresh concerns over fiscal discipline.

The approval, detailed in a Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission report presented to the Federation Account Allocation Committee in November, follows recommendations from a Stakeholder Alignment Committee. The committee reconciled NNPC’s liabilities up to December 31, 2024, related to Production Sharing Contracts, Direct Sale Direct Purchase arrangements, and royalty receivables.

The directive effectively wipes out 96% of the outstanding dollar-denominated debt ($1.42bn of $1.48bn) and 88% of the naira-denominated obligations (N5.57tn of N6.33tn). The NUPRC confirmed it has “passed the appropriate accounting entries as approved.”

Fresh Debts Accumulate as Historic Ones Are Cleared

However, the massive write-off comes as the company continues to accrue new shortfalls. The same report reveals that for the period January to October 2025 alone, fresh NNPC obligations already stand at $56.8 million and N1.02 trillion. A partial payment of $55 million was made in October, leaving a significant balance.

Analysts have questioned the timing and optics of the debt cancellation, as it coincides with a catastrophic collapse in current oil and gas revenue collections. Data for November 2025 shows royalty payments, the backbone of upstream earnings, collected only N605.26bn against a N1.144tn target—a monthly deficit of N538.92bn.

The cumulative revenue shortfall is staggering. As of November 30, 2025, the NUPRC reports an overall revenue gap of N5.65tn (N7.60tn collected vs. N13.25tn approved), with royalties alone underperforming by N5.63tn.

“A Dangerous Precedent,” Say Economists

“This creates a dangerous precedent,” said Prof. Emeritus Wumi Iledare, a petroleum economics expert. “While reconciling legacy issues under the old, flawed system is necessary, wiping the slate clean in secrecy, while current revenues are in freefall and new debts are piling up, signals a lack of consequence for fiscal failure. It undermines the transparency promises of the Petroleum Industry Act.”

The write-off also stands in stark contrast to an unresolved, separate audit dispute. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s consultant, Periscope Consulting, alleges a $42.37bn (N12.91tn) under-remittance by NNPC between 2011 and 2017. NNPC has rejected the claim, leading to a FAAC-mandated stalemate and joint reconciliation talks that are still ongoing.

World Bank Warnings Ignored

The President’s move appears to sideline persistent warnings from institutions like the World Bank, which recently accused NNPC of remaining “a key source of revenue leakages” and failing to fully remit oil revenues, thereby undermining macroeconomic stability.

When contacted for comment, NNPC’s spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to transparency and stated the write-off was a formal conclusion to long-standing reconciliation, allowing the company and the federation to start with a clean slate on historic issues.

Finance ministry officials declined to comment beyond the FAAC document.

The debt cancellation removes a major contingent liability from the nation’s balance sheet but leaves pressing questions unanswered: Will this enable greater NNPC accountability going forward, or does it reward past fiscal irresponsibility at a time when the federation can least afford it?

1...121314...442Page 13 of 442

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Newsfocus is your news, sports,politics, entertainment, music fashion website. We offer you the latest breaking news and videos straight from the sports and entertainment industry across the world.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2020 Focus Media . All Rights Reserved