Power Sector Expert Hails TCN Boss’ Reappointment, Says Move Will Deepen Grid Reforms

By Auwal Ahmad

A power sector expert from Bauchi State, Engineer Auwal Gwallaga, has welcomed the reappointment of Engineer Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), describing the decision as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership.

Responding to the development, Gwallaga said the renewed appointment was well-earned, noting that Abdulaziz had shown commitment, professionalism, and strategic direction in managing the country’s transmission network.

He said the TCN boss had, over the years, demonstrated the capacity needed to steer one of the most critical institutions in Nigeria’s electricity value chain, especially at a time when the country is pushing for improved power delivery and infrastructure expansion.

According to him, Abdulaziz’s leadership has inspired confidence among stakeholders in the energy sector and helped sustain efforts aimed at strengthening the national grid.

Gwallaga expressed optimism that the second term would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing reforms, accelerate the upgrading of transmission facilities, and improve the stability of electricity supply across the country.

“The reappointment of the TCN Managing Director is well-deserved. His track record in driving the growth and modernisation of Nigeria’s power transmission infrastructure speaks for itself,” he said.

He added that the decision was not surprising, given what he described as Abdulaziz’s visible contributions to the expansion and development of the nation’s power transmission capacity.

The electricity expert further said continuity in leadership at the Transmission Company of Nigeria would be vital in sustaining key projects and policies designed to meet the country’s rising energy needs.

He maintained that with the right support and policy consistency, the TCN under Abdulaziz could deliver greater improvements in transmission efficiency and national power stability.

The reappointment, he said, has been widely anticipated by many industry observers who see it as a step toward consolidating gains already recorded in the sector.

Plateau Attack: Inuwa Yahaya Condemns Killings, Backs Mutfwang’s Response

By Jamila Muhammad

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has condemned the attack in Angwan Rukuba, in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the killings as a painful setback to peace and security in Northern Nigeria.

Mr. Yahaya, also the chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), called the incident unfortunate, condemnable, and inconsistent with the region’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence.

The position was contained in a statement issued by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, and made available to journalists in Gombe.

The governor spoke shortly after the NSGF quarterly meeting held at the Gombe State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where northern governors reviewed the security situation across the region and renewed their commitment to tackling insecurity and other shared challenges.

He said the latest violence in Plateau State further demonstrated the need for sustained vigilance, stronger intelligence gathering and deeper collaboration with security agencies to forestall similar attacks.

Mr. Yahaya said the North has for generations been known for tolerance, brotherhood, and mutual respect among diverse ethnic and religious groups, warning that acts of violence, such as the Angwan Rukuba attack, must not be allowed to define the region.

He called on residents of Plateau State, especially those in the affected communities, to remain calm and avoid reprisals that could worsen the situation.

According to him, emotional reactions and retaliatory actions would only deepen the crisis and make it more difficult for security agencies and leaders to restore normalcy.

The governor also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community stakeholders to unite and support efforts aimed at preserving peace in the state.

Mr Yahaya commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for what he described as a swift and responsible response to the attack, particularly the imposition of a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area and the immediate deployment of security personnel to restore order.

He said the action taken by the Plateau State Government showed leadership and a clear determination to protect lives and prevent further escalation.

“I commend my brother governor, His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang, for the prompt actions taken to contain the situation and restore calm. These timely measures are critical in preventing further breakdown of law and order,” he said.

The NSGF chairman said northern governors would continue to support the military and other security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

He added that the forum remained united in strengthening regional cooperation against crime, communal violence and other threats to peace and development in the North.

Mr. Yahaya also expressed confidence in the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.

He extended condolences to the government and people of Plateau State, especially families who lost loved ones in the attack, and prayed for the repose of the dead as well as the speedy recovery of those injured.

Gov. Inuwa Joins El-Rufai Family, Northern Leaders for Late Hajiya Umma’s Janazah in Abuja

By Ahmed Mohammed

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya joined family members, political leaders, and mourners at the National Mosque in Abuja on Sunday for the Janazah prayer of the late Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the mother of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai.

Mr Yahaya, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, described the death of the late matriarch as a painful and irreplaceable loss, especially for her children and loved ones.

After the funeral prayer, the governor expressed his condolences to Mr El-Rufai and the entire family, stating that the death of a mother creates a void that is often challenging to fill.

He said the late Hajiya Umma would be remembered for the values she represented and the legacy she left behind, a family built on discipline, service, and a strong moral upbringing.

According to him, she lived a life marked by humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that endeared her to many and shaped the lives of those around her.

Mr Yahaya noted that beyond her immediate family, her passing would be felt by many who came in contact with her and drew inspiration from her quiet strength and character.

The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, as well as the Northern States Governors’ Forum, extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for comfort in their moment of grief.

He urged them to take solace in the exemplary life she lived and the lasting impact she made during her lifetime.

He also prayed to Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her noble deeds, and grant her eternal rest at Aljannat Firdaus.