Politics, World News

APC never sought for I and my wife’s consent before adding us to its Presidential Campaign Council – CAN member

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A member of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam has said that the All Progressives Congress never sought his consent and that of his wife, Prof.

Funmi Para-Mallam, before including their names in its Presidential Campaign Council list.

Para-Mallam in a statement he released, stated that he and his wife are not card-carrying members of any political party in the country.

He added that he also respects CAN’s stance on the Muslim-Muslim ticket being flown by the APC.

The statement read;

“My attention has been drawn to a list in circulation which indicates that I (or my wife – Prof. (Funmi) Para-Mallam) have been nominated to serve in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council.

Neither of us is aware of this nomination and our consent was not sorted.“Nigeria is a great country; our present setbacks notwithstanding.

But I believe that Nigeria will be great again. I love this country. I am not a partisan politician. I am a clergyman and a social justice peace advocate. I am non-partisan. I am also not a card-carrying member of any political party in Nigeria today (not that it would be wrong, but I am not at moment).

“Besides, CAN has taken a position against any Muslim-Muslim ticket and any Christian-Christian ticket. I respect that decision. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country.

This contextual reality needs to show in the way our political parties play their politics through fair internal party politics.

“Accepting to serve in the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council will negate this fundamental reality of what we are as a multi-religious country. Politics of inclusiveness should override politics of exclusion not just in 2023 but beyond.

“I, therefore, wish to distance myself from membership of any campaign team of any political party in the forthcoming 2023 elections. I have some respected and close friends in all the major political parties.

I will continue to work to promote political harmony and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. May God give Nigeria peaceful 2023 elections.

“God bless Nigeria and guide both the parties and Nigerians as the campaign season commences.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Buhari confers Public Service awards on Jonathan, Wike and others

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday October 21, conferred Public Service awards on 44 distinguished individuals, including former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Others conferred with various categories of honours in recognition of their public service contributions at the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) are Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and 16 Governors, including Rivers’ Nyesom Wike.

This maiden award in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation recognises and rewards innovation, leadership, and other exceptional achievements of individuals that have contributed immensely to the growth and development of public service and the country at large.

To be eligible, the recipient must be a living Public Official or a private a citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.

Lifestyle, Politics

Kogi receives first derivation allocation as oil producing state

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Kogi government has received the state’s first derivation allocation as an oil-producing state.

Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner for information in the state made the announcement after the state executive council meeting on Thursday, October 20.

He also said that Governor Yahaya Bello reiterated his promise to ensure that the resources of the state are put to good use.

Fanwo said;

“It’s on record that this administration has recorded many giant strides in various sectors covering the thematic areas of our governor’s New Direction Blueprint.

“This new breakthrough in the derivation allocation will no doubt make us do more for our people.

“On breaking the news, our governor said he was so elated to announce to the good people of Kogi state that the administration has received our first derivation allocation as an oil producing state.

“This announcement is in line with the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, for which we have received many awards.

“We worked hard to make this history. But we wouldn’t have achieved it without the support of our people, who stood resolutely with us to make this see the light of the day.

“We also wish to express our gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership roles as well as the RMAFC for making this a reality.

“We will build more schools, hospitals and construct more roads. We will empower our youth and women. Under my watch, we will ensure security.”

Politics

CAN President distances himself from APC Presidential Campaign Council list

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President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has distanced himself from a revised list of members of the Tinubu/Shettima 2023 President Campaign Council.

The CAN President who was reacting to names of some outgoing officials of the Christian body being featured on the list, stated that CAN is known for its stance on non-partisanship.

Okoh also said that the Christian body will launch an investigation into the matter.

The statement read;

1. My attention as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been drawn to the revised list of ntmembers of the Tinubu/Shettima 2023 President Campaign Council wherein the names of some outgoing officials of the body were featured.

2. Such a development is worrisome because it counters the well-known stance of CAN on partisanship.

3. I want to categorically exonerate my humble self from this development and any of such that may occur in the future.

4. I want to use this medium to assure all Christians in Nigeria and the general public that since I received the news, I have commenced full investigation into how the officials got involved into overt partisanship.

5. At the end of the probe, CAN will take fair, but decisive and appropriate action with a view to defending the ideals of the umbrella Christian body I lead by the grace of the Almighty God.

6. On a final note, I urge the general public to be calm while we collectively work to entrench a culture of inclusion and respect for our religious diversities in our political leadership.

Signed:Archbishop Daniel Okoh

President,Christian Association of Nigeria

Lifestyle, Politics

Ebonyi Permanent Secretary and Governor’s aide suspended over missing diesel

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The Permanent Secretary of Ebonyi state’s Ministry of Power and Energy, Mr Godwin Nwankwo, has been suspended alongside the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utilities, Mr Emmanuel Nwangbo, over alleged persistent theft of diesel meant for streetlights.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji who disclosed this at the end of the state’s Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, added that the state’s Head of Service was directed to thoroughly investigate the ministry’s staff involved in the theft and take appropriate actions as required by the civil service rules.

Orji said;

“The council approved the suspension of both officials who were directly responsible for the streetlight supervision under the ministry.

“The council also received a report of the persistent diesel theft and noted the disturbing volumes of the product lost to persons involved in the business of streetlights.

“Member, therefore, resolved that those involved in the streetlight supervision be investigated by the Department of State Security (DSS) to unmask the perpetrators.

“The state’s Head of Service was directed to thoroughly investigate the ministry’s staff involved in the theft and take appropriate actions as required by the civil service rules.”

Politics

Ninth senate has been the most productive since 1999 – Lawan

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President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has said that the senate under him has been the most productive.

Speaking at the just concluded 3rd Year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat held at the State House, Abuja, Lawan said the prevailing harmonious relationship between the arms of government made the ninth National Assembly the most productive since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

He further revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari had so far signed into law 84 bills passed by the ninth Assembly, the largest by any Nigerian President.

Lawan said;

“The three arms of government are separate but interdependent, and the ultimate goal of each is to deliver good governance and meet the aspirations of all Nigerians.

“Many Nigerians have come to construe harmonious executive-legislative relations as a sign of weakness or subservience to the executive.

“Nothing can be further from the truth than this misperception, which we must painstakingly work to correct.

“It is not uncommon for some to view the three arms of government as occupying separate and identifiable domains of power and responsibility, with little opportunity or need for interaction.

“However, this kind of dualism is not only untenable but damaging. It is now widely recognised that good national governance depends on core state institutions working cooperatively.

“A constructive relationship between the three arms of government, i.e., legislature, the executive and the judiciary, is essential to effectively maintaining the constitution and promoting the rule of law.

“Timely consultations between all stakeholders can play a significant role in avoiding gridlocks, improving understanding and delivering development to the people on whose behalf we govern.

“The legislature is constituted by the people’s direct representatives and is responsible for reflecting the voices of ordinary Nigerians.

“This cannot be achieved through unnecessary grandstanding, conflict and war of egos. As the cliché rightly states, ‘where two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers’.

“As one of the longest-serving legislators in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, I am well aware of the dangers of adopting a confrontational approach to governance issues.

“A lot of energy and resources (time and money) are dissipated over inconsequential issues rather than on dealing with substantive and livelihood-based issues that confront the average Nigerian.

“At the beginning of the 9th Assembly, we took a deliberate position to collaborate with the executive to ensure that the cardinal objective of government (welfare and security of citizens) is met.

“Hence, despite the media bashing and name-calling, I am proud to say that this National Assembly has been the most productive since 1999.

“The achievements recorded are mainly due to a harmonious executive relation and heightened engagement with the executive on proposed policies and laws long before they are formally presented to Assembly for legislative action.

“This strategy has enabled us to surmount many of the traditional obstacles and bottlenecks that confronted previous Assemblies.

“The synergy between the legislature and the executive has resulted in reforming our budgetary process to entrench transparency and accountability, professionalism, greater citizen participation, and strict guidelines and timelines (January-December).

“In addition, we worked with President Muhammadu Buhari to support the establishment of the Executive, Legislative, and Party Consultative Forum headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to promote harmony in governance towards enhancing service delivery to the Nigerian people.

“In the last few years, the National Assembly provided legislative support and approval towards the realisation of this administration’s unwavering commitment to improving security, transforming the nation’s economy and modernising infrastructure, specifically, railway system, roads and power, across the length and breadth of this country.

“The results of our collaboration are clear for all to see. President Muhammadu Buhari has granted assent to eighty four(84) bills so far, the largest by any Nigerian president.

“Many of the Acts enacted have immediate and long-term impacts on all aspects of our national life, including the economy, security, and democratic institutions.

“These include the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, Electoral Act 2022, Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.

“Other impactful legislations are the Finance Act, 2020, Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020; Police Act, 2020; and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act (Amendment) Act 2019, etc.

“The impact of the enactment of these landmark legislations will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Indeed, a clear benefit of harmonious legislative-executive relations is the successes recorded by the 9th Assembly in passing laws that have consistently failed to scale through since 1999.

“Other areas of achievements that are hinged on effective collaboration with the executive include the adoption of legislative measures to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians, mitigate its consequences, limit its spread and improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s health system to cope with the unprecedented challenges occasioned by the pandemic.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Nigerian politician recounts how snakes stopped visiting him after he lost the House of Reps primaries

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A Nigerian politician who contested in the just concluded political primaries in the country, has recounted how he used to be visited by snakes before losing the House of Reps primary election he contested in.

Olumbe Akinkugbe who contested in the All Progressives Congress House of Reps primary election for Ondo East and West federal constituency, said this was a strange incident as it stopped after he lost the election.

He tweeted;

Not a superstitious person but somehow strange that the weekly snake visit’s to my house since I lost the HOR primaries have stopped

Strange I’ve been in this house 4 rainy seasons no cockroach. But as i said I’m not superstitious

Politics

Second Niger Bridge completed – Babatunde Fashola

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Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing, has announced the completion of the Second Niger Bridge.

He disclosed this on Wednesday, October 19, in Abuja at the unveiling of President Muhammadu Buhari’s scorecard series (2015-2023).

However, he said connecting roads to the bridge are still under construction. Fashola said:

“I can confirm that the second Niger bridge itself is finished. People can walk through the bridge now unimpeded.

What remains is the four-kilometer interchange road at the Asaba end and 2km out of a 7km link road at the Onitsha end.

“Right now, our dredger is in place, we have to rebuild the road by reclaiming sand, the recent surge of flood has slowed us down.

On the Onitsha side, there is a 7 kilometer road that links the bridge and the Onitsha-Owerri interchange.”

Fashola added: “The first thing we did when we came into power was we expanded our budget on road infrastructure, sought alternative sources of funding through SUKUK, Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.”

Politics

The Federal Government says N3.36tn has been allocated for fuel subsidy in 2023 as Nigeria’s debt profile hits $102bn

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The federal government says N3.36 trillion has been allocated for fuel subsidy in the first half of 2023.

Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, made this known on Wednesday, October 19, in Abuja.

Ahmed said the 2023 budget proposal has a deficit of N10.78 trillion. She said the deficit will be funded through domestic and multilateral borrowings and proceeds from privatisation.

According to her, of Nigeria’s $102bn debt, 35% is foreign and 65% is domestic, adding that the current public debt is at 23% of the country’s gross domestic product.

The minister also said the 2023 budget also factored in 17.16% inflation. According to her, the draft 2023 budget has been prepared on the background of international challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 pandemic, adding that revenue generation has been a major challenge to national development in the country.

On allocations for critical sectors, Ahmed said the sum of N2.05 triliion was allocated to education and N1.58 trillion for health. She added that N2.74 trillion was earmarked for defense and security, infrastructure got N998.9 billion, while social development and poverty reduction has N756 billion.

Meanwhile, Ahmed had said the federal government will halt spending on petrol subsidy in June 2023.

Lifestyle, Politics

80 suspects including women arrested for helping bandits – Zamfara govt

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80 suspects have been arrested by the Zamfara State Government for aiding bandits.

The suspects, including women, were informants, and suppliers of food, drug, military camouflage and police uniforms to bandits.

They were taken into custody for alleged involvement in banditry, kidnapping for ransom and illegal possession of firearms.

Abdullahi Shinkafi, Chairman, Committee on Prosecution of Banditry and Related Offences, addressed the media on Tuesday, October 18.

Shinkafi disclosed that security agencies were investigating their level of participation in criminal activities.

Shikari said that the resurgence of banditry and kidnapping was due to the bombardment of camps by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The chairman said a number of the outlaws were neutralised or dislodged from their hideouts.

He confirmed that insecurity was part of the reasons the government suspended political rallies and campaigns.

Lifestyle, Politics

Police confirm arrest of Labour Party senatorial candidate who is Governor Umahi’s opponent

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Ebonyi state police command has said that Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South Senatorial zone, Linus Okorie is in its custody.

It was reported earlier that the two-term House of Representative candidate who represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, was taken away by “gunmen” on Sunday morning.

Ebonyi police command spokesperson, Chris Anyanwu who confirmed that Linus who is Governor David Umahi’s opponent in 2023 senatorial election was arrested by Ebubeagu Security operatives and taken to Old Government House Abakaliki, debunked reports that he was abducted.

He said the Police upon hearing reports that Linus was abducted, swung into action and later traced him to the head office of the Ebubeagu Security Outfit at the Old Government House, Abakaliki.

Anyanwu revealed that Okorie was arrested for inciting violence in the State, falsely accusing Governor David Umahi and alleged involvement in drug related offences.

He said;

“Police detectives were briefed on why he was arrested which include his activities and utterances that incited and provoked the violence that engulfed Onicha LGA which led to suspected IPOB/ESN operatives or unknown gunmen to unleash mayhem in the area, leaving seven (7) persons dead at the end of that fracas.

“Hence, the case has now been taken over by the Police Command for a scrupulous investigation.”

Anyanwu also alleged Okorie was severally invited by the Security and Intelligence Bureau of the Command over a petition dated 23/3/2022 by the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, alleging that he was spreading fake news against Umahi.

In the petition, Okorie allegedly accused the Governor of illegally withdrawing N6.7 billion from State Government’s Account to fund the Appeal Court Judgment against his removal from office, etc.

The police spokesperson added;

“Similar to the above is another series of false allegations against the Government of Ebonyi State and the Police Command in his social media handles.

“When invited by the SIB over the false allegations/petition,Honourable Linus Abaa Okorie in his characteristic pompous manner refused vehemently to report to the SIB for a chat. Rather he chose to file fallacious suits against the Police Command.

“It is also pertinent to mention that Honourable Linus Abaa Okorie also have a pending case in which he is implicated in a drug-related offence where the suspects purported to be his agents were arrested for Hard drug sales and use at his City Hub Inn, Mile 50, Abakaliki. Case was later transfered to the NDLEA for further necessary actions.

“Ebubeagu is a lawfully established local security outfit by the House of Assembly and Government of Ebonyi State. If the outfit as empowered by the State Law, arrests anybody, it shouldn’t be interpreted as abduction or kidnapping because those terms mean different things.

“However, it is expected that the outfit after effecting such arrest, should hand over the matter to the Police for further investigation and other necessary actions which has played out in this instance”.

“In view of the above, Dr David Ogbonna of Hon Linus Okorie CaringHeart Foundation is warned to henceforth know the implication of wrong choice of words when next dishing out information for public consumption otherwise he will face the dire consequences as enshrined in the laws of the land.”

Politics

Wike says PDP must apologize to Nigeria over Atiku asking Northerners not to vote for Igbos and Yorubas

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Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has said that the Peoples Democratic Party must apologize to Nigerians over its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s advice to Northerners last weekend.

Atiku while speaking at an event organized by Northern Elders last weekend, had said that Northerners only need a President from the North, and not an Igbo or Yoruba.

He said;

“I know the whole of this country. I have built bridges across this country. I think what the average northerner needs is somebody who is from the north, who also understands the other parts of Nigeria, and who has been able to build bridges across the rest of the country.

“This is what the northerner needs. He (the northerner) doesn’t need a Yoruba candidate or an Igbo candidate. This is what the northerner needs. I stand before you as a pan-Nigerian of northern origin”.

However speaking in Port Harcourt on Monday October 16, shortly after arriving from Spain, Wike said while he doubted the possibility of Atiku making such a statement at a critical time of the nation’s history, such disposition of the presidential candidate would justify his fight for equity, justice and fairness in the PDP.

The Nation reported that the Rivers state Governor also asked the PDP to urgently address the issue and appeal to Nigerians otherwise people would begin to see the party as one that lacked justice and equity.

Politics

Ekiti state gov, Biodun Oyebanji, freezes state accounts hours after his inauguration

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The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has frozen all operational accounts of the state government with immediate effect.

He gave the order a few hours after his swearing-in which took place on Sunday, October 16.

Governor Oyebanji ordered that all financial officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must comply with the directive on the freezing of the accounts.

At the swearing-in of the governor, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinibu, seven governors of the party, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Politics

‘Campaign of lies’ – Politician Emeka Ihedioha denies writing Malami not to release Nnamdi Kanu

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The former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha, has denied reports claiming he wrote a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, asking him not to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Recall that last week, the Court of Appeal dismissed the charges the Federal government filed against Kanu and asked for him to be released.

On October 16, a letter in the former governor’s name which was addressed to the AGF, surfaced on social media.

In the letter, Ihedioha allegedly urged the AGF not to release Kanu to ensure stability and peace in the southeast. Also a recording was in circulation wherein a voice that was claimed to be Ihedioha, said there won’t be peace in the state since he isn’t in government.

However in a statement released on Sunday, October 16, Ihedioha said he had no link to the letter or audio in circulation.

“It appears that some people are not satisfied with their stolen mandate. They want to drag me out by an orchestrated campaign of lies. And those carrying out this campaign of calumny against my person are doing so at the behest of the same man who was imposed on Imo state.But I understand their dilemma.

Having succeeded in their evil plot of removing me from office, they realised that the bigger battle was winning the hearts and minds of the people. And that is proving difficult.

That they have failed to endear themselves to the good people of Imo State in the last 34 months is why they are now desperate. And also becoming dangerous.

So dangerous that they are now working with political renegades across party lines.While in office, Emeka Ihedioha was their nightmare. But they have also realised to their utmost chagrin that even out of office, I have remained a bigger nemesis, hence the unceasing campaign of calumny with the sole purpose of damaging my reputation and putting a wedge between me and Imolites.

In doing this, there are no off-limits. They have forged documents, concocted voice messages, perjured and maximised the social media in throwing mud to see if any one sticks.Yhey use issues that are very dear to our people in this nefarious project.

Two of such devious acts were a purported voice of me making threats and a letter, also purportedly written by me to the honourable Attorney General of the federation and Minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, advising him not to honour the appeal court judgement that discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, so as not to imperil the 2023 elections.

It is laughable and preposterous, knowing my background and predicament, that I will be writing to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, asking him to continue to illegally hold on to Nnamdi Kanu even after a court of competent jurisdiction had discharged him.

What benefits will such a letter confer on me in a matter of such public concern, sensitivity and volatility. How does that make sense?” Ihedioha also urged security agencies to investigate the source of the letter and audio attributed to him.

“While Nigerians are aware that those who can forge polling results for manufactured votes can forge anything, I have decided not to keep silent again in the face of this criminal defamation of my character because as we inch closer to the 2023 elections, the evil machinations will intensify.I am not unduly worried, though, because our people know better.

But we can no longer allow criminality to reign supreme. I therefore urge the security agencies to investigate those behind this blatant forgery and bring them to justice.

Criminality should not be elevated to an art of governance. Imolites deserve better.”the statement reads in part

Politics

President Buhari budgets N248bn for Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, roads

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The Federal Government has earmarked N248.5bn for the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of ongoing road projects nationwide.

This was revealed after an analysis of the 2023 appropriation bill presented by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), to the National Assembly in Abuja last Friday.

The President during his speech noted that appreciable progress had been made in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of key road networks like the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway and East-West Road in Niger Delta.

He also expressed the hope to commission these projects before end of his tenure in 2023.

The projects were financed through the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, Sukuk Bonds scheme and public-private partnership.

Some of the road projects to be completed include the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Shagamu road including the access road to Mosimi in Lagos State at the cost of N100m; counterpart funding for the expansion of Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway; dualisation of the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road in Nasarawa and Benue states; and 9th Mile (Enugu)-Otukpo-Makurdi road in Enugu and Benue states valued at N32.5bn.

Other road projects are the rehabilitation of Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia road project valued at N101.1bn, completion of the construction of the Chanchangi bridge along the Takum-Wukari road in Taraba State at the cost of N100m, dualisation of the Jattu-Fugar-Agenebode road and the reconstruction of Irekpa-Fugar-Agenebode road in Edo State at the cost of N250m.

Also, N400m was allocated for the construction of Bidda-Sacci-Nupeko road and the Nupeko/Patigi bridge across the River Niger linking Nupeko and Patigi in Niger/Kwara states.

The rehabilitation of the Maiduguri-Monguno road is to cost N250m, while the rehabilitation of Wukari/Akwana road in Taraba State will cost N150m.

The sum of N250m was allocated for the reconstruction of the Igboho Oloko -Agbonle road, while rehabilitation of the Damaturu-Biu road in Yobe/Borno states will cost N300m; the construction of joint border bridge at Mfum/Ekok under the Nigeria/Cameroun international highway was valued at N500m.

Others projects are the dualisation of Obajana junction to Benin (Okene-Auchi) at the cost of N5bn, limited rehabilitation of the road off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at the cost of N25m, construction of Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway valued at N1m, rehabilitation of Ilorin-Kabba-Obajana road in Kwara/Kogi states at N400m, and comprehensive repair works of the Eko Bridge (4.1km) in Lagos State valued at N75m.

Reacting, the Chief Executive Officer, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Muda Yusuf, noted the amount was grossly inadequate, adding that about N1tn should be earmark for road projects every year.

Politics

Fayemi bows out as Oyebanji takes over as new Ekiti state governor

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A former secretary to the state government (SSG), Biodun Oyebanji, has been sworn in as the governor of Ekiti state.

He took the oath of office at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion on Sunday, October 16.

Oyebanji, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the Ekiti governorship election on June 19 with 187,057 votes, defeating his two closest challengers, Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who polled 82,211 votes, and Bisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 67,457 votes.

He takes over from Kayode Fayemi.

Politics

Tinubu to kick off campaign in Kwara

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The camp of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Friday disclosed that Ilorin, Kwara State capital in the North Central region of the country has been chosen as the official port to launch their campaign.

This was confirmed by one of the party’s bigwigs (name withheld) who also attended Wednesday’s tripartite meeting with the Progressive Governors Forum, Presidential Campaign Council and members of APC National Working Committee.

The source, one of Tinubu’s loyalists, told our correspondent that the presidential candidate and the stakeholders agreed on the North Central in general and Ilorin specifically.

The closed-door meeting, held for about three hours at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, witnessed heavy traffic and security presence.

In attendance were National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC; Tinubu’s running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Atiku Bagudu; Deputy Director General of the PCC, Adams Oshimhole; Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila among others.

Though spokesperson for the Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, told journalists after the meeting that a ‘region’ had been selected for the campaign launch, he was unwilling divulge it.

He said, “We have agreed on the region to begin the campaign but I am not going to say that now. We have also addressed all the basic issues because we want to carry the leaders of the party along.

For now, no date has been chosen (for PCC inauguration). But we will announce that sooner than you think.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Elections in North-West and South-East may be hampered by insecurity – INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has expressed fear of elections in the South-East, North-West and North-East region of the country being hampered by insecurity.

Speaking at an event organized by National Endowment for Democracy and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems at the NED Headquarters, Washington DC, United States of America, INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood noted that while insecurity has spread to some parts of the country, he has received assurances from the service chiefs that they would secure the voting environment during the 2023 polls.

He said;

“Are there concerns about the 2023 general election? I’ll be the last to say there are no concerns. The first concern is the perennial issue of insecurity in different parts of the country, compounded by the traditional issues of thuggery during elections organized by some of the political actors.

“I say it is a perennial issue because, at the end of the day, it is nothing new. However, the dimension of the insecurity is concerning in the sense that in the past, it was localized or confined to a particular part of the country, the northeast.

But now, it is more widespread and we are keeping our eyes, particularly on the northwest and the southeastern parts of the country.

“Elections are conducted by human beings. We worry about the security of our officials, voters and the materials to be deployed. Without them, we cannot conduct elections.

We have spoken to the security agencies and they have assured us that the situation will improve before the elections.“So, fingers crossed.

Those who are supposed to secure the environment have assured us that they will secure the environment for us to conduct elections. Our responsibility is to conduct elections.”

On the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Yakubu said the technology has eliminated the flaws in previous elections, including identity theft and multiple accreditations.

He also said the commission has dispatched the BVAS to over 23 states of the federation.

Yakubu said;

“The BVAS has eliminated multiple accreditations that were observed in previous elections. Now, you are sure that the person who is accredited is the voter and the bearer of the card.

“It has increased public confidence in the outcome of elections as shown in the recent off-cycle elections. People tend to be more confident now with the protection of the process of accreditation using technology.

“It has eliminated the use of the Incident Form. For those of you who have been following our elections for a long time, when the Card Reader was introduced, the machine would read the card but it may not read the biometrics.

“So, when it fails to read the biometrics, they then say – give the voter the Incident Form. And through that, many people voted using identity theft. We have eliminated the Incident Form.

So, every registered voter must go through the biometric and the facial, and we jokingly say that the only way the two processes can fail, particularly the facial, is when the voter forgets his or her face at home on election day.

The system of using the BVAS for the conduct of elections has come to stay. There’s no going back.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Jonathan, Okonjo-Iweala, Amaechi Celebrate With Elumelus On National Awards

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Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, Director General, World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former transportation minister, Rotimi Amaechi, were among dignitaries who attended the reception organised by businessman, Tony Elumelu, on Tuesday.

The reception was to celebrate the conferment of national honours on him and his brother and federal lawmaker, Ndudi Elumelu.

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