NEWS
Group Calls for Restraint over Planned Impeachment of President Buhari
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
A group has cautioned against the planned impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari by the Senate.
Minority members of the Senate recently walked out of the plenary threatening to commence Impeachment procedures against the President if he fails to address the growing insecurity in the country.
The group, under the banner of Non State Actors Consultative Forum (NOSACOF) said in statement in Abuja that it was improper to start talking about Impeaching the President now given the economic and security challenges the country is presently facing.
The statement which was jointly signed by
Abdulrazaq Alkali Bako, Lead Convener and Ernest Bako, Co-convener, said, “We the members of Non State Actors Consultative forum (NOSACOF) feel a sense of responsibility to lend our voice on this issue in defence of democracy and the unity of Nigeria”.
The statement further reads: “The economic and security challenges bedevilling Nigeria as a nation have got worse in recent months. More and more Nigerians have fallen below the poverty line, and terrorism by bandits and faceless terrorist acting against defenceless citizens have continued with little resistance from the Nigeria’s security apparatus.
“Inflation is on the rise, and citizens are finding it very difficult to keep up cost of living. There have been a lot of fingers pointing, as well as accusations and counter accusation between citizens and the government as well as between warring ethnic nationalities. It is indeed a very trying time for Nigerians!
“While Majority of Nigerians blame the government for not fulfilling its promise on improving and protecting lives and properties of citizens, the government is also accusing some citizens of selfishness and not fulfilling their citizenry duty of community policing but instead some are colluding with terrorist and serving as informant for the terror groups, thus making it difficult for the Nigerian security operatives to overcome the terror groups.
“While there are some truths to both arguments, one thing that stands out and contribute to the shortcomings from both parties (citizens and leaders) can be related to economic challenges the country is facing. However, it should be clear to all that the recent economic challenges are largely a global challenge resulting from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
“However, Nigerians may find it more challenging compared to other countries due to the fact that over the previous decades, previous administrations have failed to invest in agriculture, infrastructure, crude oil refining and in modernising the security infrastructure. All these have combined to make the insecurity problems more complex to solve.
“Amidst all these turbulence, legislative chambers in Nigeria are most at times full of drama’s due to the incompetent behaviour of some the legislators, a dangerously new twist have started to unfold in the National Assembly, where some members of the opposition and some disgruntled members of the ruling party are making moves for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari and fuelling accusations and sentiments against the president and his team in order to get backing from Nigerians.
“However, in doing so, they have failed to look at the failures of both national assemblies (house and senate) and how their incompetence’s have contributed to the worsening economic and security the situation in Nigeria. We can all agree that the current security problems of Nigeria today have been as a result of accumulation of years of incompetence, selfishness, greed, injustice and corruption perpetrated by mostly political leaders who are shielded by ethnic and religious entities, a weak and corrupt justice system and to some extend by common citizens.
“As such despite some weakness on the part the President Muhammad Buhari, it will be unjust to lay all the blame on his table and start calling for his impeachment, rather the legislators should focus on finding real solutions of making citizens-oriented legislation that will bring solutions to the insecurities tormenting the country.
“They have also failed to carryout the oversight functions on the various security arms of the government despite billions of dollars budgeted for security, instead majority of them have focused their attention on befriending the head of these agencies in their chase for getting contracts and other financials gains. And that we have come to realize the move to impeach the president is orchestrated by mostly members of the ruling APC who lost out at the presidential primaries and senatorial of the party.
“Most of those in the forefront of the impeachment struggle are agents of some defeated candidates that will benefit if the president is impeached. While there are others supporting the impeachment out of sheer frustration to pull down the APC since they won’t return to the red chambers having been defeated earlier in the contest.
Section 143 of the 1999 constitution as amended have outline the steps and guidelines to be followed for the impeachment of a sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The question here is whether the legislators championing the move for impeachment s are willing to follow due process or they just want to create a high-level chaos that capable of completely plunging the country in worse internal conflicts, it may never recover from. It is very clear that promoters of the impeachment neither have the numbers nor the facts and evidence to successfully impeach the president, but just want to serve a selfish motive and interest. It is imperative for well meaning Nigerians not to allow themselves to be played by the selfish interest of a few, whose action will worsen the fragile situation in this country.
” It is very important for Nigerians to exercise caution and allow democratic process to take place through proper electoral transition, the general election is just around the corner, and the current administration will leave less than year from now. The ball is now in our court as Nigerians to vote for competent leaders for both executive and legislative positions and to make sure that those we voted for next will put the interest of citizens first in everything they do”.
By David Torough, Abuja
In a bold move ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election in Taraba State, renowned entrepreneur and technocrat, Hon. Sanda Nathan Jr., has officially stepped aside from his role as Chairman/CEO of Sandalight Global Realities Ltd and FARMERSTEQ GLOBAL LTD to pursue his political ambition under the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
The transition marks a significant shift from corporate leadership to active political participation, as Sanda positions himself to lead the Labour Party to victory and champion a new era of governance in Taraba State.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony held on Friday at the companies’ corporate headquarters in Utako, Abuja, Sanda described his governorship ambition as “a continuation of service” aimed at transforming the economic and social fortunes of Taraba through credible leadership and people-oriented governance.
According to him, Taraba State has remained under the control of career politicians for years, with little progress in critical sectors such as infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
He stressed that the time had come for the state to embrace a CEO-style leadership approach driven by innovation, accountability, and private-sector efficiency.
“Taraba deserves pragmatic leadership that understands development, economic growth, and the importance of empowering people through opportunities,” Sanda stated.
He outlined key areas his administration would prioritize if elected governor, including education revitalization, modernization of agriculture, technology and innovation, infrastructure development, and improved healthcare delivery.
Sanda pledged to replicate his corporate success across the state by implementing policies that would promote transparency, attract investment, create jobs, and improve the living standards of citizens.
As part of the transition, Mr. Jackson Kole was officially appointed as Acting Group Head/CEO to oversee the affairs of Sandalight Global Realities Ltd and FARMERSTEQ GLOBAL LTD pending board confirmation.
Kole, while accepting the appointment, promised to sustain and expand the companies’ achievements in estate development, real estate consulting, construction, and agricultural industrialization.
He assured stakeholders that the companies would continue to maintain excellence and professionalism while supporting Sanda in his political journey.
“We will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Hon. Sanda Nathan Jr. and ensure that both companies remain leaders in the real estate and agribusiness sectors,” Kole said.
Sandalight Global Realities Ltd is widely known for its expertise in estate development, building construction, and real estate consulting, while its subsidiary, FARMERSTEQ GLOBAL LTD, has gained recognition for promoting agricultural revolution and agribusiness development across Nigeria.
Political observers believe Sanda’s entry into the Taraba governorship race could reshape the political landscape of the state, especially among youths and professionals seeking a fresh approach to governance ahead of 2027.
NEWS
Carter, Iddo, Third Mainland Bridges: Julius Berger Tackles Years of Severe Structural Deterioration
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Top-notch engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC is leading an extensive bridge rehabilitation programme in Lagos State, following its engagement by the Federal Ministry of Works in 2023.
The assignment is designed to address years of severe structural deterioration in the critical infrastructures.
Construction works commenced in January 2024, targeting four key transport links: the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, Iddo Bridge, and the Iddo Bridge Underpass.
The project focuses on addressing long-standing structural damage, particularly in underwater components impacted by marine corrosion, tidal forces, and sustained heavy traffic.
At Carter Bridge, rehabilitation works concentrated on degraded underwater sections and substructure elements to mitigate the effects of corrosion and tidal movement.
Physical works were completed in January, and the project has now entered its close-out phase.
For the Third Mainland Bridge, engineers are carrying out structural repairs on critical components, including the deck soffit, piers, and underwater pile caps.
The project is currently about 80% physically complete, with only the monitoring phase outstanding.
This phase, expected to last one year, is now in its third month. Financially, approximately 60% of the budget has been allocated, with 21% of the total project value executed to date.
At press time last week, no major construction work is outstanding on this bridge as the focus is entirely on performance validation.
Essentially, the monitoring phase acts as a quality assurance and risk management step, ensuring that the extensive rehabilitation work translates into a safe, stable, and durable bridge for years to come, said a member of the project team, Friday.
The Iddo Bridge rehabilitation involves a more intensive reconstruction due to severe deterioration.
Significant portions of the bridge have been demolished and are being rebuilt using reinforced concrete girders, enhanced reinforcement systems, and strengthened structural supports.
The project is actively ongoing and stands at 30% physical completion.
At the Iddo Bridge Underpass, the existing structure was completely removed to enable full reconstruction.
The scope includes continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), improved drainage systems, and the installation of modern street lighting and utility infrastructure. Construction progress has reached 38%.
CRCPs are designed to control cracking, not eliminate it as cracks occur at regular, closely spaced intervals. The reinforcement keeps cracks tight, preventing them from widening
Overall, these rehabilitation efforts are designed to enhance commuter safety, extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure, and reduce structural risks along some of Lagos State’s busiest transport corridors.
In addition, the improvements are expected to ease traffic flow and strengthen economic activity across the state.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has announced immediate postponement of the planned activities marking the Benue at 50 and the Third Year Anniversary Celebrations of the present administration.
The State deputy governor, Sam Odeh disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
According to him, the decision to postpone the event was taken to allow for necessary adjustments and consultations to ensure a more successful and inclusive commemoration.
He said a new date for the celebrations will be communicated to the public in due course.
“The Benue State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia wishes to inform the general public that the activities marking the two events have been postponed.
“The Government regrets any inconvenience this postponement may have caused individuals, groups, and organisations, and appreciates the understanding, patience and continued support of the good people of Benue”, Ode intimated.
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