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Group Cautions Against Unverified Claims on TCN, Calls for Institutional Dialogue
The Network of Advocacy for Positive Impact Initiative (NAPII) has cautioned against the spread of unverified allegations concerning the operations of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), warning that such claims could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the organization, Comrade William Smith Bassey, said the advocacy group convened the media briefing to promote balanced engagement and prevent misinformation in the power sector.
Bassey said while public scrutiny of government institutions remains important in a democratic system, allegations capable of affecting critical national infrastructure must be handled responsibly and through appropriate institutional channels.
According to him, Nigeria’s electricity transmission network plays a central role in the country’s power supply chain and therefore requires stability, public confidence, and constructive engagement from all stakeholders.
“The transmission system is the backbone of the nation’s electricity supply architecture. It connects power generation to distribution companies across the country. Any narrative that casts doubt on this vital institution must be examined carefully to ensure it does not distort public perception,” he said.
The group noted that recent reports circulating in the media about the operations of TCN appeared to contain sweeping claims that could create unnecessary anxiety within the power sector if not properly contextualized.
NAPII maintained that government agencies such as TCN operate under established administrative procedures and regulatory oversight that ensure transparency and accountability in their activities.
Bassey explained that issues relating to procurement processes, operational decisions, and management policies within public institutions are subject to review by the appropriate authorities, including supervising ministries and regulatory bodies.
“Where concerns exist, they should be presented through formal mechanisms that allow proper investigation and resolution. Public accusations without adequate verification risk creating tension and diverting attention from ongoing reforms in the power sector,” he said.
The organization also highlighted the operational challenges faced by transmission infrastructure across Nigeria, noting that transmission facilities are spread across vast geographical areas, including remote and difficult terrains that require continuous monitoring and technical intervention.
According to the group, maintaining and expanding the national grid requires consistent efforts by engineers and technical teams who work round the clock to ensure electricity transmission remains stable.
NAPII stressed that at a time when the country is making efforts to improve power supply, strengthen grid stability, and support economic development, stakeholders must act with a sense of national responsibility.
The advocacy group advised interested parties to utilize available institutional processes to obtain relevant information about TCN’s budgetary allocations and operational activities, particularly through records approved by the National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies.
“We believe that issues affecting institutions as strategic as the Transmission Company of Nigeria should be addressed through dialogue, responsible advocacy, and evidence-based discussions rather than exchanges that may generate confusion,” Bassey said.
He added that the organization has confidence in the current management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria and urged stakeholders to allow the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without undue distractions.
NAPII further emphasized that national institutions must be strengthened through constructive criticism and proper oversight mechanisms rather than weakened by narratives that may not fully reflect the realities within the sector.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible public discourse, transparency, and balanced engagement on matters affecting Nigeria’s development.
Zimbabwe’s justice minister introduced to parliament Tuesday a controversial constitutional amendment bill that would extend the term of the president, but faces fierce opposition and court challenges.
Parliament has to vote on sweeping changes to the constitution approved by the cabinet in February that include a provision that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term until 2030.
The measures would also do away with general presidential elections, giving parliament the power to appoint the president, and extend the terms of lawmakers from five to seven years.
The amendment has become one of the most contentious political issues in Zimbabwe, where Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF party enjoys an overwhelming majority in parliament.
After introducing the proposal, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told journalists the government was determined to push the measure through a parliamentary debate.
He said a 90-day public consultation process was successful and widely supported.Related News
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Opponents say the consultations were marred by intimidation and violence, with anti-amendment activists assaulted by suspected state agents or arrested.
Several legal challenges seeking to stop or invalidate the amendment process are before Zimbabwe’s courts.
Critics say the bill would entrench the Zanu-PF, which has governed the resource-rich country since independence in 1980, overseeing crippling economic crises and accused of corruption and repression.
Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 in a military-backed coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, president for 30 years.
He was elected for two five-year terms, in 2018 and 2023, which is the constitutional limit for a president.
AFP
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Top 10 Performers:
- Kaduna State 73%
- Delta State 70%
- Anambra State 65.5%
- Niger state 65.1%
- Ekiti State 64.5%
- Akwa Ibom State 64%
- Lagos State 64%
- Oyo State 61%
- Enugu State 56.5%
- Borno state 54%
Middle 10 Performers:
- Kwara State 53.5%
- Abia State 52%
- Ondo State 51%
- Nasarawa State 50.5%
- Osun State 49.5%
- Ogun State 48.5%
- Kano 48.5%
- Kogi State 48%
- Edo State 47%
- Jigawa State 46.8%
Worst 10 Performers:
- Bauchi State 44%
- Ebonyi State 42%
- Katsina State 41.5%
- Gombe State 40%
- Kebbi State 34%
- Plateau 33.5%
- Rivers State 30%
- Benue State 25%
- Yobe State 22%
- Taraba State 20%
These rankings are based on the CIAPS Governance Performance Index (CGPI) report, which evaluates states’ performance in areas like e-governance, transparency, and accountability.
The CIAPS Governance Performance Index (CGPI) is an initiative of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, CIAPS. CGPI was conceived as a catalyst for benchmarking, documenting, measuring and encouraging good governance in Nigeria.
Following the conclusion of party primaries, Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) as a civil society group championing the cause of all youths and middle age citizens has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory in the presidential primaries recently held.
RUN also congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging unopposed and the wild jubilation that greeted his victory as the Senator representing his constituency, the good people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
In a press release signed by Amb. Solomon Adodo and made available to journalists, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group described the win of the duo as beam of hope for Nigeria beyond 2027.
According to him, “the win of Asiwaju and Akpabio signals a beam of hope for Nigeria that beyond 2027, we shall be consolidating on the gains of synergetic partnership between the legislature and the executive as a precursor for rapid development.
“The support extended to Mr. President by the Senate President has yielded significant strides in fasttracking development across all parameters that affect national productivity”
The group therefore called on all Nigerians to come out in their numbers to support the president while outlining series programs with potentials to foster national unity across regional and religious lines.
“As a group representing the interests of Nigeria youths, we are determined to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President towards improving the skill set of Nigeria youths towards increased productivity and an end to unemployment”, the release stated.
The group expressed confidence in the possibility of a new Nigeria of our dreams with the victories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio who will definitely be handed a second term as the Senate President “to continue synergizing with Mr. President for a better Nigeria”.
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