News
Electricity bill: Aba residents protest use of soldiers for revenue drive
Residents and business owners in Aba, on Monday condemned the use of military personnel, by Aba Power Limited (APL), a subsidiary of Geometric Power to collect revenue.
Our correspondent gathered that the protesting customers are under the Aba-Owerri road 33KV Feeder that has about 13 transformers, making use of 33KVA along the Watchtower Road axis of Aba.
Mr Ojukwu Joshua Imo, chairman in charge of Watchtower Road transformer electricity consumers said that it was a huge shock to them to see soldiers coming with the staff of the APLE and even shooting all in the name of trying to collect electricity money.
“Many people closed their shops and ran for their lives, because of the activities of the APLE and their military men. We started wondering if there was war here.
They even keep threatening business people here that they’ll come back to arrest them for refusing to pay the excessive estimated billing they’re giving to us on monthly basis.
“As if that was not enough, they came again with members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for the same purpose and start harassing us all in the name of trying to get electricity money in this same watchtower zone.
“We’re asking APL whether they want us to run away from this zone, because of them. We beg the Federal government, Abia State government and all relevant authorities to please stop APLE from what they’re doing to us. We’re law-abiding people. We don’t want to fight and we’re saying that coming with armed men to intimidate us here may lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“If APLE can follow the normal NERC regulations in billing us, we’ll pay, but they cannot just wake up one morning and begin to force people to pay any amount. We’ve been educated on our rights according to NERC regulations and it is obvious they’re not giving us power according to the bills they’re issuing to us.
“If they give us power according to the hours stipulated in the bill, we’ll pay but if they think we’re just some ignorant citizens, who don’t know what to do with their money, those years are gone. We’re more enlightened today and nobody can cheat us anymore. Let them serve us well and we’ll pay without delay.”
Mr Nnamdi Ajama, a resident of Okereke Street, Aba lamented that the use of military men by APLE in the collection of electricity money in his area is causing serious panic amongst residents.
“At the end of September, APLE brought a bill to us, but within two days of getting the bill, the next thing we saw was those who came to cut the light. When we asked them why they should be in a hurry to disconnect our lights, they said they don’t care. And the money they’re bringing for each house is much.
“For instance, if they bring N17,000 and you pay N10,000 they still insisted they’ll cut it. When we tried to ask why they must not follow the right procedure, rather than give us an answer, they invited soldiers and began cutting people’s light with the help of soldiers.
“Later we found out that they even lied to the soldiers that we were fighting them which was never true. We have 30 days in a month, our line is rotated. They give us light for only 15 days, not even all day, but after 15 days of power they’ll bring N17,000 estimated bill to each house, is that fair.”
Responding to their speeches, Chief Ike Opigwe. Executive Secretary, of the Joint Action Group (JAG) condemned the use of military and armed men in revenue collection and urged the electricity consumers to always stand on their rights and not be intimidated.
Opigwe urged them not to engage in any form of fight, but should always address their grievances with the bills they are getting from the APLE to the NERC Forum, where it will be deliberated on and addressed properly.
Opigwe stressed that the estimate billing the APLE is giving to the customers under the Aba 33KV Feeder is not in consonant with NERC regulations.
He said, “Don’t fight anybody but engage them to realize that you know your right. The military is made for war. We’re not at war here and using the military for electricity revenue collection is illegal.
“We learnt as alleged that gunshots went out, what if someone was killed, will they still collect the bills? Ao, we must exhaust the resolution process of NERC.
“The laws are there, you can take thempl NERC forum, we educate consumers on their rights and we’re a peace-loving organization.”
END
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .
The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.
The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them
The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.
According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.
The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.
The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.
The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.
The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.
The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.
The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.
As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.
The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.
The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news
The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.
VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
-
Crime4 days agoOyo abduction: Teachers begin strike as Tinubu sends 1,000 forest guards to rescue victims
-
Education4 days agoEnugu East Chairman Celebrates Children’s Day with St. Ann’s College, Reaffirms Commitment to Education
-
News4 days agoDSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
-
Crime4 days agoUS Announces $3.5m Religious Freedom Initiative, Questions Nigeria’s Response to Attacks
-
Crime4 days ago2 Police Officers Shot Dead as Gunmen Attack Anambra Chief of Staff’s Convoy
-
EverydayNews Telescope5 days agoThree Years On the Saddle : The Governor Peter Mbah score card that is a tall order
-
News2 days agoPower Doesn’t Last Forever, It Has Expiry Date — VeryDarkMan Warns Wike
-
Crime3 days agoAbducted Army General: Gunmen Make Demands, Contact Family