Connect with us

Politics

BREAKING: Minister of Works, David Umahi responds to Atiku over Lagos-Calabar Costal Road contract, says the contract followed due process

Published

on

 

Minister of Works, David Umahi, in a note, said the 700-kilometre, 10-lane Lagos-Calabar highway was conceived as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction plus Financing (EPC+F) project.

– Umahi said the model (EPC+F) entails part-funding by the Federal Government.

– Umahi said the approval process went through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BBP) after consideration by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as prescribed by law.

– Umahi added that the project is an unsolicited bid on EPC+F.

– Umahi explained that under this model, the investor provides all designs, part of the financing and construction while the Federal Government provides the counterpart funding.

– Umahi revealed that the ministry received such a bid, worked on it and sent it to BPP.

– Umahi added that the BPP worked on it according to the Procurement Act and came up with a price slightly lower than the ministry’s price and even lower than the cost of similar projects awarded five years ago like the Bodo-Bonny project.

– Umahi said BPP issued a certificate of no objection on the project to the Ministry of Works in line with the Procurement Act.

– Umahi added that the Ministry of Works took the certificate of no objection to FEC and FEC debated and approved it.

– Umahi also cleared the air on the Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report, saying that preliminary approval was issued in December 2023 by the Ministry of Environment and renewed in January.

– Umahi said the ESIA certification is progressive and they have a certified ESIA to start the project.

– Umahi added that they redesigned the route to put a human face to the decision and to minimise demolition of permanent infrastructure.

– Umahi said the process of ESIA involves constant stakeholders’ engagement of which many have taken place and he even participated in two in Lagos.

– Umahi maintained that the removal of properties along the route is subject to the rule of law and clarified that only property owners with proven titles will receive compensation.

– Umahi said shanties and those with property within the 250-meter shoreline setback without a Federal government title would not be compensated as it is a legal matter.

– Umahi added that the committee is not in charge of ramp or anything else but to verify those to be paid compensation, authenticate and pay. He said where there is a title problem, it will need a presidential waiver for such to be paid.

– @ThisIsAdemuyiwa (X)

Politics

2026: PDP finalises plans for FCT Area Council chairmanship elections

Published

on

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has unveiled its Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council chairmanship candidates across all the six area councils.

According to the Electoral Committee Chairman, Chris Hassan, who announced the results, the elections were free and fair.

Hassan said that in Kuje Area Council, there were two contestants, Mr. Zacharia Danlami and Mr. Michael Jigu, who later withdrew from the race, leaving Danlami as the lone contestant and winner with all the 30 votes.

In Abaji, he said there was only one aspirant, Mr. Musa Biliyanmu, who scored all the 30 votes to emerge winner of the election.

In the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the Electoral Committee Chairman stated that there were also two contestants, Mr. Zadna Dintani, who scored 24 votes to defeat Mr. William Gaje with 12 votes.

Hassan further said that in Gwagwalada Area Council, there were two aspirants, Mr. Kasim Mohammed, who scored 19 votes to defeat Mr. Rabiu Adamu, who scored 11 votes.

Then in Kwali Area Council, there were three contestants: Mr. Harruna Mohammed, who scored 13 votes to defeat Mr. Daniel Ibrahim, who scored 11 votes, and Mr. Shashim Zaka, who scored six votes.

According to him, there were six aspirants in Bwari Area Council, and Mr. Julius Adamu, who scored 19 votes, emerged winner after defeating Mr. Harruna Mohammed, who scored one vote; Mr. Ibrahim Dauda, who scored one vote; Mr. Bitrus Jibada, who scored six votes; and Mr. Zaka Bello, who scored zero votes.

“I want to gladly announce to you that the elections were rancour-free and went smoothly in line with the ideals of our party.

“It is our desire that all aspirants and candidates will work towards the success of the elections come 2026,” he added.

Continue Reading

Politics

Governor Peter Mbah has appointed Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, as an Ambassador of Enugu State.

Published

on

 

During a courtesy visit to the Lion Building, Okoye, an Enugu-born football star, shared plans to launch a charitable foundation and establish a football academy in the state.

The initiative aims to discover and nurture young football talents while uplifting communities through sports and education.

Governor Mbah announced the provision of land to support the academy and extended an invitation to Okoye to participate in the upcoming Enugu International Marathon, which is set to feature elite athletes from across the globe.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Muslim group kicks as Okpebholo hands over 36 schools to Catholic Church

Published

on

Amid the controversy over the return of eight schools to missionary organizations by the Edo State government, Governor Monday Okpebholo has again released 28 additional schools to the organizations.

Ekwutosblog reports that Okpebholo had on June 16, 2025 after a meeting with Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi announced the hand over of the schools to the missionary organizations.

Meanwhile one week after, the governor has again announced the handing over of another 28 schools to the missionary organizations.

 

The affected schools include Catholic secondary and primary schools across the three senatorial districts.

The governor, after the announcement, however, disclosed that a committee would be set up to precisely identify all schools to be handed over.

He also clarified that any affected schools currently undergoing renovation by the state government will remain under its supervision until completion.

The development had generated a lot of reactions from the Muslim community in the state who lambasted the governor for taking a unilateral decision without calling for a stakeholders’ meeting.

In a recent communique, the Nigerian Supreme Council Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Edo State chapter urged the government to stay action on the handing over of the schools until alternative solutions for those who are going to be affected are provided.

The communique signed by its chairman, Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu, appealed to the government to maintain the current harmonious relationship among Edo citizens.

“We plead with the government to consult more with stakeholders with the intention of ameliorating the negative effects the above points will cause,” the NSCIA said.

It noted that Muslims and others who do not share the Catholic faith are apprehensive about the government’s proposal due to its potential implications.

“Governments over time have invested in these schools, providing benefits to all residents regardless of their religious affiliations.

“The handing over of these schools may deny some students access to free education, which your administration currently provides.

“Not all citizens can afford exorbitant fees charged by private schools, making it essential to maintain accessible public education.

“The free education you are presently providing to students in public schools will definitely elude those who are presently enjoying it in these schools.

“Not every individual or family can afford private school, and this will lead to an increase in school dropouts for those who don’t have alternatives.

“The possibility of none catholic children being forced to imbibe principles at variance with their present faith when there are no alternatives can not be ruled out,” the communique added.

Continue Reading

Trending