Politics

Atiku blasts President Tinubu over economic policies, says Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road done purely because of Tinubu’s business relationship with Gilbert Chagour.

Published

1 year ago

May 7, 2024

In a statement released by Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Sunday, Atiku alleged that the Coastal Highway project is being expedited solely due to the business ties between President Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech, the contractor responsible for the highway project.

– Atiku said the contract was granted in violation of procurement regulations.

– Atiku disclosed that the involvement of President Bola Tinubu’s son and his associates on the boards of companies belonging to Gilbert Chagoury presents a clear conflict of interest.

– Atiku also claimed that Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which manufactures ceramic tiles and sanitary towels.

– Atiku added that instead of enhancing the ease of doing business, the Tinubu government had allegedly demonstrated to the global community that his business endeavours and those of his family would consistently take precedence over national interests.

– Atiku claimed that project that is being done with more than $13bn was awarded without competitive bidding.

– Atiku also claimed that the ‘so-called’ Badagry-Sokoto highway would be awarded similarly at an enormous cost to taxpayers purely because Tinubu has put his interest ahead of the Nigerian people.

– Atiku said the demolition of tourist and recreational facilities and other properties within the Oniru corridor, including parts of Landmark, without ample notice, is one of the reasons foreign direct investments continue to elude the country.

– Atiku said that in more orderly environments, establishments like Landmark would have been provided with a minimum of two years’ notice to facilitate proper planning.

– The former PDP presidential candidate mocked Tinubu who has been globetrotting in search of foreign direct investments. Atiku said Tinubu claims to have secured over $30 billion from various companies, but none has been forthcoming.

Rather, all manufacturing firms have been posting heavy losses while some are exiting due to his poorly implemented exchange rate unification policy with even Aliko Dangote describing it as a huge mess at the recent annual general meeting of Dangote Sugar Refinery.

– Atiku also added that the awarding of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway was rushed.

He said the environmental impact assessment report was not even completed and the right of way for the 700 km stretch of the highway project was not secured.

– Atiku said the project was converted from a PPP to a government-funded project within the twinkle of an eye.

– Atiku also revealed that the N500m that was approved by the National Assembly for the project was ignored, while over N1tn was released by Tinubu’s administration without approval from the National Assembly.

Politics

As ADC Becomes Nigeria’s Sanctuary, Okoroma’s Leadership Soars – Success Opara

Published

3 minutes ago

July 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gaining momentum in Imo State, with its State Chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, leading the charge. Success Opara, Local Government Chairman of ADC Owerri Municipal, has praised Okoroma’s leadership, describing the party as “Nigeria’s Sanctuary” – a viable platform to rescue the country and state from political and economic turbulence.

Under Okoroma’s guidance, ADC is experiencing unprecedented growth, with key stakeholders and political heavyweights joining the coalition. Opara commended Okoroma’s exceptional leadership style, calling him a detribalized Nigerian and an astute political manager with a global vision.

Opara highlighted Okoroma’s efforts in building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. “Prof. Okoroma is not one for ‘eating politics.’ He is building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. Imo ADC, under his watch, is alive, well, and stronger than ever,” Opara stated.

The party’s growing support base is evident in the recent defections, including Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and past Governor of Imo State. Rumors also circulate about potential defections from other prominent figures.

With Okoroma’s leadership, ADC is poised to make a significant impact in Imo State’s political landscape. As Success Opara noted, “Under the competent leadership of Prof. Okoroma, ADC remains safe, intact, and focused.”

Politics

Akpabio: Atiku hails Natasha for challenging suspension

Published

10 hours ago

July 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for courageously challenging her suspension from the Senate, describing her action as a bold assertion of her rights and a victory for democracy.

Ekwutosblog recalls that Senator Natasha challenged her six-month suspension before the High Court, where Justice Binta Nyako delivered the judgment on Friday.

She ruled that the suspension was excessive and deprived the lawmaker’s constituents of their right to representation.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday, Atiku also commended Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja for what he called a courageous ruling that lifted what he termed the “obnoxious” suspension imposed on the senator representing Kogi Central.

“I also hail Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension by not sleeping on her rights in a chamber where women are already vulnerable. There’s no price that is too great in asserting one’s rights,” the former Vice President added.

Politics

Imo State Govt Demolishes Drug Peddling, Gun Runners’ Hideout In Owerri…

Published

13 hours ago

July 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Imo State Government has demolished a notorious criminal hideout located in Ama Hausa, Owerri, identified as a hub for drug peddling, gun running, and other illicit activities.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic/Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, the operation was led by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Monitoring and Compliance, Hon. Nze Chinasa Nwaneri.

According to the statement, the hideout had been under surveillance for some time after it was identified as a den for hardened criminals involved in trafficking hard drugs, illegal arms, and other violent crimes that posed a threat to public safety.

During the operation, several suspects were apprehended and handed over to relevant security agencies for interrogation and prosecution.

“Our message is clear: Imo State will not be a safe haven for criminals. We are going after every syndicate, every drug peddler, and every gun runner. No one is above the law, and no criminal enterprise will be tolerated,” Hon. Nwaneri stated during the demolition.