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Presidency moves to clear N2tn power debt

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Power debt to be cleared

Nigeria’s presidency has reaffirmed its stance to clear the country’s N2 trillion legacy debt owed to electricity generation companies before the end of the third quarter of 2025.

A representative of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Eriye Onagoruwa, made this commitment on Monday at the second Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Stakeholders Meeting of 2025, organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

According to Onagoruwa, the presidency recognises the urgency of addressing the debt overhang, which has strained GenCos and impeded electricity supply nationwide and may lead to the shutdown of the country’s power sector.

She explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government looks to alternative debt instruments due to its current fiscal constraints.

“We are empathetic to what GenCos are facing,” she said. “We are exploring alternative debt instruments, and I can confirm that both the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Debt Management Office are aligned with this effort. Internal approvals are currently underway,” she stated.

The N4 trillion gas debt had become a lingering challenge in Nigeria’s power sector despite promises of its resolution.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Judicial Workers Suspend Strike, Resume Work Today

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Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN)

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has suspended its ongoing strike action and directed its members to resume work on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

A communique issued and signed by the National Vice President of the association alongside 10 other members of the association’s leadership disclosed that the decision to end the strike came after long deliberations on the issues that led to the strike and a series of meetings held with the representatives of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; and other relevant stakeholders, on Tuesday.

The stakeholders agreed that JUSUN should oblige the intervention of the CJN and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi; the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and other stakeholders.

Part of the agreement included that the suspension of the strike would allow the union to engage the Federal Government to ensure the release of funds to the judiciary within a month.

The communique also disclosed that “upon the release of the funds to the Judiciary, the demands by the JUSUN implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage and its arrears, 25/35 % salary increase and 5 Months wage award and their arrears will be implemented immediately”.

Those who signed the communique apart from the JUSUN National Vice President are the National Assistant Financial Secretary and the Chairman of JUSUN chapters of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, National Judicial Institute, FCT High Court, FCT Sharia and Customary Court as well as the FCT Judicial Service Commission.

Credit: channelstv.com

Military air strike kills at least 20 people …Amnesty International calls for an investigation

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Nigerian Air Force helicopters

A military air strike in northwest Nigeria has killed at least 20 people, according to the military and local residents, prompting calls from human rights groups for an investigation into the attack.

The strike occurred over the weekend in Zamfara state, one of the regions worst affected by violence from armed groups, commonly referred to as “bandits”.

Nigerian Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strike followed intelligence that “a significant number of terrorists were massing and preparing to strike unsuspecting settlements”.

“Further intelligence confirmed that the bandits had killed some farmers and abducted a number of civilians, including women and children,” Ejodame said in a statement, adding that two local vigilantes were killed and two others injured in the crossfire.

However, according to residents cited by the AFP news agency, a group of local vigilantes pursuing a gang was mistakenly bombed by a Nigerian military jet.

The air force had been called in by villagers who had suffered an attack earlier in the weekend. Locals said an unknown number of people were also wounded in the strike.

“We were hit by double tragedy on Saturday,” said Buhari Dangulbi, a resident of the affected area. “Dozens of our people and several cows were taken by bandits, and those who trailed the bandits to rescue them were attacked by a fighter jet. It killed 20 of them.”

Residents told AFP that the bandits had earlier attacked the villages of Mani and Wabi in Maru district, stealing cattle and abducting several people. In response, vigilantes launched a pursuit to recover the captives and stolen livestock.

“The military aircraft arrived and started firing, killing at least 20 of our people,” Abdullahi Ali, a Mani resident and member of a local hunters’ militia, told the Reuters news agency.

Nigeria’s military has previously acknowledged mistakenly hitting civilians during air operations targeting armed gangs.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Nigeria Committed To Become Global Cocoa Processor -Govt

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Cocoa beans

Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reviving its cocoa industry and the broader agricultural value chain to become a major global processor rather than just a producer of cocoa.

He stated this during a meeting with the President of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), Chris Vincent, in Abuja.

Shettima mentioned the recent approval for the establishment of a National Cocoa Management Board as evidence of the government’s dedication.

The WCF aims to partner with Nigeria to revitalise Nigeria’s cocoa sector in line with the European Union’s sustainability regulations.

He also emphasised Nigeria’s available manpower and the eagerness of its young population to participate in the agricultural sector.

“We don’t want to be producers of cocoa; we want to be processors of cocoa because a tonne of cocoa will fetch you $9,000 now, but processed cocoa will get you $30,000. If you turn them into chocolate bars, that might fetch you $50,000.

“So, we have the manpower, the average age of the nation is 17. We have very virile young men who are willing to work if they have the opportunity. So, I’m speaking from the heart,” he maintained.

The Vice President pledged Nigeria’s readiness to work with the World Cocoa Foundation.

He said he would personally engage Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to secure the 10,000 hectares in the Kurmi Local Government Area of the state for the WCF and other partners to expand their investments in the nation’s cocoa industry.

WCF’s president highlighted the severity of the current shortage, noting that cocoa prices have quadrupled in the past three years.

He emphasised that this partnership presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to expand its sustainable cocoa production during this supply deficit.

Credit: channelstv.com

Police seize suspected ‘Bonsam Tawa’ from 4 suspects

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Cannabis (Wee or Bonsam Tawa)

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested four individuals in a targeted operation at Manso Adubia, as part of a sustained crackdown on drug trafficking within the Bekwai enclave.

The suspects, identified as Mohammed Iddrisu, aged 47; Dickson Fosuhene, also known as Panda, aged 27; Cletus Nyaaba, aged 19; and Emmanuel Asare, aged 21; were apprehended during an intelligence-led swoop conducted on June 1, 2025.

According to the Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, the operation forms part of a broader strategy to combat rising drug-related crimes, which have been closely linked to armed robbery, assault, murder, and disturbances associated with illegal mining operations in the area.

During the operation, suspect Mohammed Iddrisu was found in possession of 550 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 82 sachets of 250 mg taramaking tablets, and cash amounting to GHC 11,340.00.

Suspects Dickson Fosuhene and Emmanuel Asare were jointly found with 120 wraps of dried leaves, also suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as 150 sachets of 250 mg taramaking tablets and a cash amount of GHC 12,000.00. Meanwhile, Cletus Nyaaba was arrested with 150 wraps of similar dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp.

Further police investigations led officers to the residence of a suspected supplier known only by the alias “Thunder.”

Although the suspect fled before the police arrived, a search of his premises resulted in the discovery of 28 boxes of 210 mg Taramaking tablets, 54 boxes of 250 mg Timiking tablets, 22 slabs of compressed dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 374 additional wraps of similar dried leaves and an amount of GHC 25,000.00 in cash.

In a related case, the Fomena District Police Command recovered illegal firearms and ammunition from a vehicle entrusted to a spare driver identified as Kwaku, alias Zador. Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle was handed over to the suspect on May 9, 2025 with an agreement to return it by May 11.

When the vehicle was not returned as scheduled, the owner located it in the Kwabena Kwa suburb of Obunni. A subsequent search conducted by the police uncovered two pump-action guns, twenty-three rounds of A-type ammunition and three rounds of BB-type ammunition.

Addressing the media, ACP Nyaaba issued a strong warning to individuals engaged in criminal activities, urging them to desist from such acts and pursue lawful livelihoods. He emphasised that the Police Service has intensified its operations and will leave no stone unturned in its quest to bring offenders to justice.

The Ashanti South Police Command also called on the general public to support its efforts by providing timely and credible information that could aid in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in criminal enterprises across the region.

Why Ofori-Atta Cannot Return to Ghana now

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Ken Ofori-Atta

The Chronicle has sighted a letter purportedly written by a medical specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, indicating that former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and cannot return to Ghana at this time.

However, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed the claims, stating it has not received any such document and has re-declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person and fugitive from justice.

According to a post on Asaase FM’s facebook page, a Mayo Clinic letter confirms that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is scheduled for surgery on June 13, 2025.

The post continues that, ‘despite receiving this official document, the Office of the Special Prosecutor dismissed his medical status in a press briefing.’

The OSP, however, has firmly dismissed the letter, saying no certified medical records or official document from any hospital authority has been submitted to its office, indicating that Mr. Ofori-Atta is incapacitated or unable to travel to Ghana.

The letter, dated May 14, 2025, is on the official letterhead of the Mayo Clinic and signed by Dr. Ahmed Abdalrhim, MD, a consultant in the Department of Urology.

It states that Mr. Ofori-Atta“has been under the care of our Urology Department since March 2025. He underwent an MRI of the prostate followed by an MRI-guided biopsy on March 21, 2025.”

The letter further indicates that based on the biopsy results: “A diagnosis of prostate cancer was made. He is currently undergoing necessary pre-operative workup and is scheduled to undergo a radical prostatectomy on June 13, 2025.”

Dr. Abdalrhim adds that: “Following the surgery, he will require a recovery period before he is able to travel to his home country.”

Shortly after the letter went viral on social media, the OSP responded with a formal public notice dated June 3, 2025 posted on its Facebook page, stating that his Office has not received any letter from neither Mr Ofori-Atta nor his lawyers.

According to the OSP, the only correspondence it has received from Ofori-Atta’s legal team is a letter notifying them of a change in his medical condition, which is based entirely on their own account, not on any certified or hospital-generated documentation.

The OSP’s response stated: “It is notable that this alleged hospital letter has been circulated through the media rather than submitted to the law enforcement agency actively investigating him.

“To date, no certified medical records or official document from any hospital authority has been submitted to the OSP indicating that Mr. Ofori-Atta is incapacitated or unable to travel to Ghana.”

The OSP emphasized that this undermines the formal legal process and raises concerns about the motive behind such media disclosures.Mr Ofori-Atta is under investigation for alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Finance Minister.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is investigating the former Minister of Finance over five major issues during his tenure in office;

The Key Issues under investigations are:

1.Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

2.Electricity Company Contract Termination: The termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).

3.National Cathedral Project: Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the National Cathedral.

4.Ambulance Procurement: A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for purchasing and maintaining 307 ambulances.

5.GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Handling and disbursement of funds from the Tax P-Fund Account of the GRA.

Intruder arrested in Windsor Castle grounds

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Windsor Castle

An intruder has been arrested for breaking into restricted grounds at Windsor Castle, police have said.

Thames Valley Police said the man allegedly entered “restricted grounds” at the royal residence at just after 13:00 BST on Sunday.

The force said he was “quickly challenged” by Metropolitan Police officers and did not enter the inner grounds of the castle.

The Met said the man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of trespass on a protected site and possession of class A drugs.

Thames Valley Police said the man had been bailed and an investigation was ongoing.

A spokesperson said: “At just after 1pm on Sunday, a man entered restricted grounds at Windsor Castle.

“He was quickly challenged by Met police officers and arrested. He did not enter the inner grounds of Windsor Castle.”

It is a criminal offence to trespass on a protected site under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act.

Credit: bbc.com

Lady Gaga to join Olivia Rodrigo at Glastonbury Festival

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Lady Gaga

With just three weeks to go, Glastonbury Festival has unveiled its full line-up and stage times for 2025 – complete with gaps for secret sets.

The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo will headline the Pyramid Stage, with other highlights including Charli XCX, Doechii, Rod Stewart, Loyle Carner, The Prodigy and Wolf Alice.

Irish rap trio Kneecap remain on the line-up, after being removed from Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival following a well-publicised row over their political statements.

And, as always, there are surprises in store. Several slots are marked “TBA”, with rumoured guests including festival stalwarts like Haim and Pulp; alongside more far-fetched options such as Lady Gaga and Radiohead.

Lady Gaga last played Glastonbury at the start of her career in 2009. Asked what it would take for her to return to the festival earlier this year, she replied: “Not much”.

Eagle-eyed fans will also spot that an unknown band called “Patchwork” are billed on the main stage on Saturday afternoon – calling to mind the 2023 festival, when the mysteriously named “ChurnUps” turned out to be the Foo Fighters.

The festival will kick off with two opening ceremonies on Wednesday 25 June, including a theatre and circus show – including high wire walkers and acrobats – in the Pyramid field, followed by a fireworks display at 22:45 BST.

At the same time, a 1,000-voice choir will unite in what organisers call “a powerful mantra for peace”, around the Flame of Hope – which unites 15 sacred flames from around the world.

As ever, you’ll be able to follow all the action on BBC television, radio, iPlayer and BBC Sounds, with more than 100 full sets being broadcast over the weekend.

To help you plan ahead, here is the full line-up and set timings across Glastonbury’s biggest stages.

Credit: bbc.com

ID Cabasa, Akon disagree over origin of Afrobeats

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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ID Cabasa and Akon

Nigerian music producer, Olumide Ogunade, popularly known as ID Cabasa, has described Senegalese-American singer, Akon’s recent claims about pioneering Afrobeats as a “half-truth,” likening it to the colonial-era assertion that Mungo Park discovered the River Niger.

Cabasa made the statement while appearing on Sunday’s edition of Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television, where he weighed in on the ongoing conversation around the origin and ownership of the Afrobeats genre.

He clarified that while Akon’s influence in spotlighting Nigerian artistes on the global stage was notable, it did not equate to being the originator of the genre.

“What Akon said, I think, was sort of a half-truth. It’s like Mungo Park saying he discovered the River Niger and Benue — but he met people there fishing.

“There was already a sound that attracted him (Akon), and you’re claiming you discovered it? That’s how it sounded. Even the people he mentioned — these guys were already popping, already doing stuff,” the producer said.

In early May, Akon claimed in an interview with Sherri Shepherd and also with the BagFuel Brigade podcast that he played a pivotal role in creating Afrobeats.

The music executive credited his collaborations with Nigerian artistes like Wizkid and Banky W in the late 2000s and early 2010s as foundational to the genre’s global success.

Akon had described himself as a major catalyst for Afrobeats’ international breakthrough by introducing business structures that were previously missing in the Nigerian music scene.

Credit: channelstv.com

Scott Evans ‘blasts’ Team Eternity over their TGMA nonchalance

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Team Eternity

Ghanaian gospel musician, Scott Evans has expressed disappointment over gospel group Team Eternity’s nonchalance, concerning their nominations in this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

In an interview with Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, he explained that the nonchalance of the gospel group, coupled with not campaigning for votes on their nominations, was disrespectful.

“Inasmuch as we are doing ministry, we find ourselves in an industry, we have to respect and acknowledge whatever the industry gives to us,” he said.

The singer also said that it is disrespectful for Team Eternity not to acknowledge the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, which adds to the bandwagon of critics to the gospel group’s lethargic attitude, including media personalities, DJ Slim, and Nii Noi.

He explained further on saying, “for me I think it’s so disrespectful and it’s not right for them to get a nomination and not acknowledge it, not to post it”.

“This is just your first global song and you’re behaving like this. what happens if you don’t get it again, or you get it again and they refuse to give you their time and platform. If you want the media to respect you, you also need to respect them,” he noted.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

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