By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigerians can expect a steady improvement in electricity supply within the next two weeks, following the completion of maintenance work on a critical gas pipeline, according to Adebayo Olowoniyi, Chief Technical Adviser to the Minister of Power.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV on Thursday, Olowoniyi addressed the recent nationwide blackouts that have disrupted homes, businesses, and industries. His remarks came just days after the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued a public apology over the worsening power situation.

Olowoniyi defended the minister’s apology, framing it not as an admission of personal failure but as a demonstration of accountability. “I think, first of all, I’d like to start with the apology from the Honourable Minister, which we believe is all about taking leadership in the sector,” he said.

“It is not necessarily directly his fault for the challenges that we have, but as the Minister of Power, it was the right leadership step to say, ‘I take ownership of this issue, and I’m going to prefer a solution that would ensure power supply comes back in the shortest available time.'”

The adviser attributed the recent grid instability to disruptions in a major gas pipeline, which supplies fuel to power plants responsible for approximately 75 per cent of the nation’s electricity generation.

“One of the major gas pipelines in Nigeria was undergoing maintenance, and gradually that process is being completed,” Olowoniyi explained. “We’re sure that within the next two weeks, full gas pressure will be back on the gas pipelines, and the power plants will be able to get enough gas at least to go back to their level of generation that they had in the last two to three months.”

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Kabiru Turaki, a factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his failure to appear before the court.

Justice U.P. Kekemeke issued the warrant on Thursday, ruling that the former minister had provided no valid justification for his absence from the proceedings.

The warrant stems from a one-count charge filed against Turaki by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The charge alleges that Turaki provided false information to the police in a petition dated October 2022.

The Kano Youth Concern Initiative has called on ADC chieftain Ibrahim Ali Amin Little to declare his intention to contest for the Kano State governorship under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The group made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, signed by its Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Junaid Binoni, and its Secretary, Saidu Muhammad Ahmad.

According to Binoni, it is high time the ADC chieftain stepped forward to contest for the governorship in order to salvage Kano from the grip of entrenched political godfathers who, in their view, have hindered the state’s progress.

“It is only an independent-minded leader with courage and vision that can drive rapid economic development in Kano, widely regarded as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre,” Binoni stated.

He further emphasized that Little’s strong background in the private sector sets him apart from previous governors of the state, many of whom were largely career civil servants with limited exposure to private enterprise and, in some cases, products of political godfatherism.

“Ibrahim Ali Amin Little possesses the administrative competence, business acumen, and strategic thinking required to reposition Kano for sustainable growth. His experience in the private sector gives him a practical understanding of job creation, investment attraction, and economic diversification—qualities that are critical for a modern and thriving Kano State,” he added.

The group also noted that Little’s longstanding interest in serving the state, dating back over a decade, reflects a deep sense of patriotism, resilience, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

“His passion and consistent efforts toward the governorship over the years demonstrate that his ambition is driven not by personal gain, but by a genuine desire to uphold the integrity and advance the interests of the people of Kano,” the statement read.

They expressed confidence that under Little’s leadership, Kano could witness significant transformation in key sectors such as commerce, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and industrial development, ultimately restoring the state’s status as a leading economic hub in Nigeria.

The group concluded by urging him to heed the call of the youth and formally declare his intention, stressing that they would not hesitate to explore all legitimate means to compel him to do so if he fails to respond.

“We strongly believe that the future of Kano depends on visionary leadership, and Ibrahim Ali Amin Little has what it takes to lead the state to greater heights,” Binoni said.