Tinubu approves over 260 emergency road repairs nationwide — Umahi.

Tinubu approves over 260 emergency road repairs nationwide — Umahi.

President Bola Tinubu has approved more than 260 road repairs interventions across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while speaking with journalists after an audience with President Tinubu in his office.

The Minister, who further disclosed that the emergency repairs on the 260 roads nationwide will gulp about N217 billion, added that President Tinubu had approved more road construction works, including project upgrades.

According to the Minister, the President has also approved the resurfacing of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, construction of Lekki deep seaport road, re-construction of two collapsed bridges in Enugu and reconstruction of two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Other roads approved for construction include the upgrading of the ongoing Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia road, dualization of the Lafia by-pass.

“I’ve always commended Mr President for his deep interest in reinstating most of our roads in the country. Everyday we get a lot of concerns from the public on the very deplorable situation of our roads, but there is no paper I brought in respect of that that Mr President has not approved.

“Just yesterday he approved over 260 road interventions across the 36 states and the FCT. You’ll recall that last week he approved a lot of emergency roads and bridges repairs; we have three bridges that collapsed on the Southwest roads, he approved for reconstruction immediately. We have the Shendam- Lafia that collapsed, we also have the approval for its repairs.

“We have about 17 points along the East-West Road that have been destroyed by flood, Mr President has approved and released money for the immediate repairs. Of course the Third Mainland Bridge’s resurfacing and repairs of some noticeable deflections, which have to be done under the deck on top of the water with equipments, he has also approved that.

“Two bridges that collapsed in Enugu, approved by Mr President; the two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Mr President approved the reconstruction; Lokoja-Abuja Road, Mr President approved the reconstruction.

“I can name them, apart from the 260 emergency repairs all over the country that worth about N217 billion, so I’m quite glad.

“This afternoon again, Mr President approved upgrading of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia Road, of course it’s ongoing, but it’s a PPP the Chinese and we’re paying 15%. Also the construction of the Lafia Bypass Dualisation from Makurdi, through Oturkpo, through Oboloafor, down to 9th Mile, it’s a major one, but Mr President has approved it. This is also being financed by the China EXIMBank, Lafia-Keffi Road is also financed by Chinese EXIMBank.

“Then the of 7th AXA Road, Lekki Deep Seaport (access), in Lagos. You know the Lagos State government is building the deep seaport, meaning that all the cargoes that cannot berth at the existing ports in Lagos can now come to that location and that’s where the Dangote Refinery is located.

“I saw thousands and thousands of well-established companies that are already installing their equipments there. It’s to be a huge free trade zone. So Mr President has approved that I should go ahead and sign MoU and that it should be programmed for priority in our business with the Chinese”, he said.

President Tinubu also approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), with the aim of speeding up the road maintenance nationwide.

“Let me also announced that Mr President approved the reconstitution of FERMA Board and this is very good for us, this is so that work can now get a bit more serious with FERMA in terms of very prompt maintenance of the roads” Uhahi disclosed.

When asked how soon Nigerians should expect to see mobilisation to site, Umahi said “said there’s a process; we’re doing the designs and procurement and selecting contractors to this. We’re calling some contractors that have existing projects within these locations.

“We’re getting selective renderings from the approval of BPP and these are the procedures. I’m sure with the onset of dry season from November, these works will get started and we’re going to put a lot of pressure on them for them to complete the works,” he said.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper

PSC promotes 5,718 top police officers.

PSC promotes 5,718 top police officers.

.....12 CPs elevated to AIGs, 19 DCPs to CPs, 21 ACPs to DCPs.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 5,718 senior police officers comprising general duty and specialists cadres of the force.

The commission okayed the promotion of 12 commissioners of police (CPs) to Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs); 19 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to Commissioners of Police (CPs) and 21 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) to Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs).

Thirty-three Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) were also elevated to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).

The PSC also approved the promotion of 265 Superintendents of Police (SPs) to Chief Superintendents (CSP); 59 Deputy Superintendents (DSPs) to Superintendents (SPs) and 4,750 Assistant Superintendents (ASPs) and another 146 ASPs omitted during the May 2022 promotion to Deputy Superintendents (DSPs).

A statement yesterday in Abuja by PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, reads: “For the specialists cadre, the commission approved the promotion of two ACPs: one from Air Wing and the other Forensic to the next rank of DCPs; 47 CSPs comprising 23 medical doctors and 24 veterinary doctors were promoted to the rank of ACPs.

“A total of 190 SPs from the Computer Info-Tech Unit; another eight from Works; one from Workshop; 12 from Transport; two from Forensic; two from Handwriting; one from Ballistics; one from Religion and one from Veterinary Doctor were also promoted.

“Forty-seven Specialists of Assistant Superintendents of Police rank and of different units were promoted to Deputy Superintendents.

PSC Chairman Solomon Arase urged the newly promoted officers to embrace a new policing culture that is hinged on people-friendly approach that respects the fundamental rights of the citizens.

He advised them to desist from involvement in civil matters or making false allegations against the public.

“Such conducts will not make them win the hearts and minds of the people, which will deprive them of credible information from public-spirited individuals when dealing with internal security issues,” Arase said.

The PSC chairman hailed the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for collaborating with the commission to ensure that, for the first time in a very long while, the promotions permeated all the departments of the force.

He said: “This singular act, I hope, will motivate the workforce to give back their best in ensuring that issues of crimes and criminality are properly dealt with.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper

EKSG Settles Ayedun Community's Chieftaincy Row, Begs monarch, chiefs to respect tradition.

EKSG Settles Ayedun Community's Chieftaincy Row, Begs monarch, chiefs to respect tradition.

The Ekiti State Government, has settled the chieftaincy crisis brewing between the Owa of Odo- Ayedun, Oba Solomon Ilesanmi Ajibade and some chiefs over modalities being adopted for  the installation of traditional Chiefs in the community.

 While mediating in the crisis on Thursday, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, pleaded with the parties to handle the matter with caution and think more of how to maintain peace in the town.

The monarch and the chiefs  were embroiled in tussle over the mode of installation of Chiefs in the two quarters of Odo and Emila, with the aggrieved chiefs accusing the monarch of hijacking their powers and trying to make himself the sole authority that can perform such duty in the town. 

The Chiefs contended that each of the quarter heads are traditionally empowered to install their chiefs, saying they only need to issue notice of installation to the monarch as a mark of respect to his palace.

Resolving the matter,  Mrs Afuye, after listening to all parties, directed the monarch to convene an enlarged  peace meeting of the town over the matter, so that the issue of factional crisis can be tackled for the community to chart a new way for its development. 

Mrs Afuye told the monarch to stop installing chiefs where he has no power to do so in line with culture and tradition, adding that those already installed by the monarch must return to their quarters to perform all the necessary traditions. 

She  also warned the quarter heads against issuing emergency notice to the monarch, while planning to install a new Chief as a mark of respect for royalty. 

The Deputy Governor also ordered the monarch to immediately  release the withheld monthly stipends due to the Chiefs, who had abstained from attending palace meetings, adding that whoever refuses to attend the statutory palace meeting shouldn't be paid. 

Mrs Afuye said the the crisis should be settled among the chiefs and elites to prevent unnecessary divisions, bad blood and bloodshed that would heat up the polity and contravenes the gospel of peace being preached by  Governor Oyebanji across the state. 

In his submission, Oba Ajibade appreciated the government for intervening the matter, urging all the parties to adhere strictly to the verdict passed by the Deputy Governor for the town to be in peace.

The monarch assured the government that he would champion a peace meeting that would unite the community and bring radical development to the town. 

Oba Ajibade appealed to the aggrieved chiefs to forget the past and think more about the future of the community and propagate those things that can promote unity in the town.

EKSG To Partner UN-HABITAT On Ado Ekiti Smart City Project.

EKSG To Partner UN-HABITAT On Ado Ekiti Smart City Project.

In a bid to transform the urban landscape of Ado Ekiti, the Government of Ekiti State has disclosed plans to strategically partner with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) for a comprehensive urbanization and development of the state capital.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday during a press briefing on UN-HABITAT Scooping Mission in Ekiti, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Housing and Mortgage Development, Mr. Gboyega Oloniyo said the partnership would focus on sustainable urban development and improvement in the quality of life in Ekiti.

Present at the press briefing were, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi; Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Mobolaji Aluko; and Special Adviser, State Capital Development Authority, Hon Tade Aluko, among others.

Oloniyo explained that the scoping mission would also provide a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, collaborations among expert, policymakers and stakeholders, adding that the UN expertise and experience, over the years , will undoubtedly enrich the understanding and contribute to the formulation of comprehensive strategies for sustainable development in the state.

Reiterating the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to sustainable urbanization, access to basic service and creating resilient cities for the citizens, the Oloniyo assured that the collaboration would address the problem of urbanization in the state capital such as housing, infrastructure, environment, sustainability and social inclusion.

He said the collaboration would also consider local communities by listening to their voices and learn from experience, which by so doing would ensure that actions are truly people-centered and that the strategies developed are tailored towards the unique needs and aspirations of the people.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser, State Capital Development Authority, Hon Trade Aluko said the Chairmen of Ado local government and local council areas would be adequately carried along in order to make the project a seamless exercise.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Defects to APC, Citing Irreconcilable Differences in YPP.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Defects to APC, Citing Irreconcilable Differences in YPP.

Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who represents Anambra South Senatorial District, has made a significant political move by defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Ubah, also known as the CEO of Capital Oil, was originally elected under the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in 2019. Remarkably, he secured re-election under the YPP in the recently concluded 2023 General Election.

The decision to switch parties was explained in a letter that Senate President Godswill Akpabio read during a concise plenary session on Thursday. Senator Ubah's move to the APC stems from what he describes as "irreconcilable differences" within the YPP.

This political development marks a significant shift in the balance of power, and Senator Ubah's decision is expected to have notable implications in the Nigerian political landscape. The APC gains an influential member with this defection, and it will be interesting to observe how this change will influence future political dynamics.

As Senator Ubah embarks on this new political journey with the APC, his role in shaping the party's direction and strategies will be closely watched, as his wealth of experience and influence may contribute significantly to the party's growth and influence in Anambra and beyond.

The shifting political allegiances in Nigerian politics continue to evolve, and Senator Ubah's defection underscores the fluid nature of political affiliations in the country.

This development comes at a time when political realignments are not uncommon, and Senator Ubah's decision adds another layer of complexity to the ever-changing landscape of Nigerian politics.

The move of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the APC, a dominant political party, may set in motion a series of events that could reshape the political landscape in Anambra and the broader Nigerian political spectrum.

As we watch how this story unfolds, it's evident that political strategies and alliances in Nigeria remain dynamic, with outcomes that are often unpredictable.

House of Representatives Screens NDDC Board and Management Nominees.

House of Representatives Screens NDDC Board and Management Nominees.

The House of Representatives conducted a thorough screening of the presidential nominees for the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). This important session took place on Thursday as the nominees presented themselves before the House ad-hoc committee, tasked with the responsibility of conducting this significant screening.

In her opening remarks, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, called upon the nominees to, upon their anticipated confirmation, uphold the trust placed in them by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She emphasized the need for visionary leaders with impeccable integrity to lead the commission and ensure its mission translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Niger Delta's people and communities.

The screening process featured detailed presentations by Mr. Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, nominees for the positions of NDDC Chairman and Managing Director/CEO, respectively. They shared insights into their career backgrounds and articulated their visions for the commission.

Subsequently, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Ali Isa, made a motion for the nominees to take a bow as a sign of respect, given that the Senate had previously screened and confirmed these candidates. This motion received a second from Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, and was unanimously approved by the committee.

Following the screening exercise, the committee will prepare and submit its report along with recommendations during a plenary session. Once confirmed by the House, the National Assembly will transmit its resolution to the Presidency, thereby satisfying the requirement of Section 2 (2) (a) of the NDDC Act, which mandates Senate and House of Representatives consultations for nominee screening and confirmation.

The screened nominees include:

• Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman (Delta)
• Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/CEO (Bayelsa)
• Mr. Boma Iyaye, ED, Finance & Admin (Rivers)
• Mr. Victor Antai, ED, Projects (Akwa Ibom)
• Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, ED, Corporate Services (Ondo)
• Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa (Bayelsa)
• Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono (Akwa Ibom)
• Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya (Delta)
• Chief Tony Okocha State (Rivers)
• Hon. Patrick Aisowieren (Edo)
• Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu State (Imo)
• Hon. Otitio Atikase (Ondo)
• Chief Dimgba Eruba (Abia)
• Rt. Hon Orok Otu Duke (Cross River)
• Hon. Nick Wende (North Central)
• Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak (North East)
• Senator Dr. Ibrahim Gobir (North West)

Hon. Prof. Julius Inhovbere, the House leader, urged the nominees to take the responsibility of charting a new course for the critical interventionist agency seriously. He emphasized the importance of fairness and justice for all communities and reminded the nominees to uphold the fear of God and respect for the constitution in their duties, as they are expected to deliver results that all Nigerians can be proud of.

Justice for one is justice for all, and justice for all is justice for one, he concluded.

Jointly Signed:

Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu Chairperson, House Committee on NDDC

Hon. Akin Rotimi, Jr. House Spokesman / Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs

Federal Government orders road contractors back to sites.

Federal Government orders road contractors back to sites. 

The Federal Government yesterday directed contractors of abandoned projects to stop palliative work and return fully to site.

 It also said that 80 percent of road rehabilitation by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) would soon be executed through direct labour. 

Works Minister Dave Umahi, who spoke at a meeting with contractors in Abuja, also reiterated his directive to contractors handling some road projects to report to their sites within 14 days.

He warned that failure by such contractors to comply with the directive would lead to the termination of their contracts.

Umahi pointed out that the ministry would no longer tolerate palliative work on road projects the government had already paid a substantial amount on.

He added that payment to contractors would now be based on work done with verifiable proof. 

The minister also said that with about 3, 000 workers, only  20 percent of road repairs by FERMA should be done through contracts.

He added that he had secured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for work to commence on 60 projects, he warned that any contractor with up to four pending projects would not be given additional ones.

Umahi did not name the projects.

Stressing that he is dealing with inherited deficits, the former governor of Ebonyi State, noted that the size of projects does not matter but the quality of the work done. 

 He also clarified that there was no ban on the use of asphalt in road construction. The minister pointed out that any contractor using asphalt must be ready to sign an assurance document.   

Umahi also warned contractors holding clandestine meetings about the activities in the ministry to stop doing so.