“NO ELECTRICITY, NO VOTE,” SOUTH AFRICANS THREATEN TO SHUN RULING PARTY ANC. (PHOTO)

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 “No electricity, no vote,” South Africans threaten to shun ruling party ANC Residents in Katlehong, a township outside Johannesburg, have resolved to boycott South Africa's upcoming local elections on November 4 due to long-standing failures by authorities to provide basic services like electricity. For over 20 years, around 180 households in the community have relied on illegal electrical connections pulled from neighboring areas to power their homes. Angry over the lack of formal grid infrastructure, residents are directing their frustration at the ruling African National Congress (ANC). "We have made a collective decision: no electricity, no vote," said community leader Lesiba Rankapole, 59. "We know it is illegal, but we had no choice because we cannot live without electricity. Our children cannot progress without electricity." "I was born ANC, but today I do not want anyone to tell me about the ANC because I am suffering," added 57-year-old resid...

BENUE EXCO APPROVES YELEWATA RESETTLEMENT, UPDATES PRESS ON SECURITY, HEALTH & BUDGET. (PHOTO).



 BENUE EXCO APPROVES YELEWATA RESETTLEMENT, UPDATES PRESS ON SECURITY, HEALTH & BUDGET 



The Benue State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the resettlement of Yelewata, while also briefing journalists on key issues including security, health, and the 2026 budget.


Speaking at Government House, Makurdi, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, described the first EXCO briefing of 2026 as “robust” and focused on critical matters affecting the welfare of the people of Benue.


Barr. Aber said EXCO has sanctioned the flag-off of resettlement construction at Yelewata, scheduled for Thursday, January 22. The project follows last year’s crisis in the area and is supported by donations totaling about ₦1.275 billion, including ₦1 billion from the First Lady of Nigeria through her Renewed Hope Initiative. A committee chaired by the SSG has been set up to ensure transparent use of the funds.


The SSG explained that 62 two-bedroom housing units, complete with sanitary facilities, will be built in the first phase to help displaced persons leave IDP camps. A United Nations model for conflict areas was adopted, and consultations with affected communities have guided the plan. The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) component is already in place, with solar-powered boreholes providing running water.


On security, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Peter Egbodo, said the state has seen improvements but cautioned that the influx of herders could threaten peace. He urged citizens and community leaders to share credible information with security agencies promptly.


On health, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, briefed journalists on the ongoing strike by resident doctors and nurses. While the national strike has ended, the Benue chapter continues action over arrears from the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Scale. Dr. Ogwuche said Governor Alia has directed an urgent end to the strike, assuring that all pending issues will be resolved.


Director-General of Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Jerome Andohol, disclosed that EXCO reviewed the 2026 budget, now ₦695.1 billion after adjustments by the State Assembly. Detailed allocations have been approved, and quarterly accountability briefings will track budget performance.


Hon. Egbodo also announced that Governor Alia has directed regular media engagements, including quarterly briefings, to ensure transparency and keep citizens informed on governance and budget implementation.

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