News
Patients, Relatives Groan As Power Disconnection Cripples UCH
Patients accessing healthcare services at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan and their families are facing a hell of time following the disconnection of electricity supply.
Recall that Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, cut off power supply to the hospital. This is the second time the Disco will disconnect the hospital this year.
Earlier on 19th March, 2024 the Disco cut off power supply to the hospital over a N495 million debt.
The power supply was later restored when prominent indigenes of Ibadan and other stakeholders intervened.
However, the electricity distribution company has disconnected the hospital for the second time this year.
It took the action on 26th October, 2024 due to another accumulated debt by the hospital.
Sources hinted DAILY POST that major activities such as surgery, water supply, tests and other things that require electricity have been put on hold.
A staff of the hospital, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that activities at the laboratories and other areas have been suspended as a result of the disconnection.
“It was disconnected on Oct 26, 2024. They brought a N99 million bill for October. But, the management was able to pay N60 million.
“I am not sure of the accumulated debt, but it is said to be over 200 million. None of the services are available for now,” he said.
UCH reneged on its promise to settle accumulated debt – IBEDC
Meanwhile, IBEDC has accused the hospital of reneging on its promise to offset the accumulated debt.
IBEDC spokesperson, Busola Tunwase told DAILY POST on Wednesday that the electricity distribution company disconnected the hospital from the national grid due to the accumulated debt.
Tunwase, who did not reveal the total amount, said that the hospital signed an agreement with the electricity distribution company before the power was restored.
She, however, said that the hospital reneged on the promise.
Tunwase said, “They are still owing us. I can’t disclose the amount now. We signed an agreement that they will upset the debt.
“They were owing us over N500m at that time, they signed an agreement that they will be paying it in tranches. But they reneged on the promise”.
Patients, relatives lament
Enquiries showed that some patients have decided to leave the hospital as a result of the power outage.
Some of the families said that they do not have any other option than to move their relatives from the hospital.
A relative of one of the patients in the hospital said, “They do not have light as of today. The problem has been going on since. Many people have left.
“Families of patients that require urgent attention have been coming to take their sick persons to other hospitals.”
UCH PRO declines comments
All efforts made by DAILY POST to get a reaction from the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Funmi Adetuyibi since Wednesday morning proved abortive.
A message sent to her WhatsApp was not responded to.
When called, she gave the phone to someone who claimed that the PRO was in a meeting.
The man promised to deliver the message to the PRO.
Our correspondent repeated the call in the afternoon but the same person answered the call.
The man promised to send a press statement 30 minutes after the call.
He said, “We are writing a press statement now. You will get it in the next 30 minutes”.
After two hours of waiting, our correspondent returned the call severally but they were not answered.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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