CITIZENS COMPASS – The Federal Government of Nigeria has hinted on fresh plans to increase electricity tariffs across the country.
Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, disclosed this over the weekend, at the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
He emphasised that while tariffs would be adjusted to reflect actual costs, the government intends to cushion the impact on low-income earners through targeted subsidies.
“One of the key challenges we’re looking to resolve over the next few months is transitioning to a cost-efficient but cost-reflective tariff,” she stated. “So the sector generates revenue required to attract private capital, while also protecting the poor and vulnerable.”
The planned hike followed the federal government’s decision last year to approve a threefold increase in electricity tariffs for customers under the Band A classification.
Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos), burdened by mounting debts, have been pushing for cost-reflective tariffs to improve their financial standing and service delivery.
Tragedy struck at the Ebenezer SDA Church in Homa Bay, Migori County, Kenya, after a church elder, Francis Opiyo, was stabbed to death while delivering a sermon.
Opiyo, 35, was rounding off his sermon and preparing to hand over the microphone when his assailant, a fellow church member, suddenly stabbed him. Reports indicate that the attacker had concealed a knife inside his Bible, waiting for the moment to strike.
The shocking attack, allegedly motivated by claims of an affair, has left the local community in disbelief.
According to the deceased’s elder brother, Joseph Opiyo, the attacker accused Francis of being involved in an affair with his wife, despite no concrete evidence to support the claim.
The suspect had been suspecting them, although nobody had clear evidence of the alleged relationship,” Joseph told The Standard.
Eyewitnesses say the congregation watched in horror as the attacker stabbed Elder Francis in the chest before fleeing. He later surrendered to the area’s Assistant Chief, but that did not stop an enraged mob from storming his house and setting it on fire.
Suba South Sub-county Police Commander, Caxton Ndunda, confirmed the suspect’s arrest and detention at Magunga Police Station.
“The assailant has told my officers that the deceased was in a sexual relationship with his wife. But this should not have led to murder. He ought to have sought intervention from elders or church leadership instead of resorting to violence,” Ndunda stated.
The body has been moved to Sori Town in Migori County. Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents to seek peaceful ways to resolve conflicts rather than taking the law into their.own hands.
