NEWS
Akume Assures Benue People of Construction of Makurdi-Otukpo-Enugu Road
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Federal Government has awarded a contract for the construction of Makurdi- Otukpo-Enugu Federal Highway in Benue State.
Similarly, plans are on the way to commence construction of the Makurdi-Gboko- Ugbema federal road in 2024.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Senator George Akume disclosed this when he received in an audience in Makurdi, members of the Mbagen Development Association from Buruku local government area of the State, led by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Tuesday.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is desirous of fixing federal roads in the country and make them motorable for the citizens.
The SGF stated that President Tinubu has good intentions and concrete plans for the country and require more prayers, support and patience from Nigerians to enable him deliver on his mandate and make Nigeria great and prosperous
He acknowledged the support of Mbagen people to him over the years stressing that all Mbagen sons and daughters that have been working with him have never disappointed him and were hardworking and dedicated to any assigned duty .
Senator Akume who said he has no intention to seek political office in future , called on Mbagen people to continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself ,Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev and Governor Hyacinth Alia to enable them succeed.
On his part, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engineer Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev said he was thankful to his political mentor Senator George Akume for finding him worthy to serve as Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment in Benue, Executive Director Engineering Services Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Pioneer Rector, Federal Polytechnic Wannune and now Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Prof. Utsev assured the SGF of his loyalty and total support at all times.
On his part ,Member representing Buruku Federal Constituency, Mr Sekav Iortyom said they were behind Senator Akume to succeed while President Mbagen Development Association Mr Solomon Shimsenge said their visit was to express appreciation to Senator Akume for finding their sons worthy of appointments into key positions.
According to him, Senator Akume had shown much love for Mbagen people and assured them that they would replicate the gesture by continuous prayers for him to succeed and make the Tiv nation and Benue proud.
Also Speaking ,Ter Buruku, Chief Moses Hanior said the elevation of late JS Tarka and now Senator George Akume to higher positions in the country was a clear indication that God has good plans forMbakor people and called on Tiv nation to continue to support and pray for Mbakor to enable God accomplish his mission to them.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume was later dressed in Tiv traditional attire by Mbagen Development Association, their traditional rulers and Ter Buruku as a mark of honour to SGF.
NEWS
Okpebholo Freezes Edo Accounts, Orders Reversal of Ministry’s Name
Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has ordered immediate freezing of all the state bank accounts until further notice.Okpebholo gave the directive in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fred Itua, on Thursday in Benin.He warned that non-compliance by commercial banks as well as heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) would result in severe penalties.
“All bank accounts in all commercial banks are now frozen. Commercial banks must ensure strict adherence and prevent any withdrawal from government accounts until further notice,” the statement said. Okpebholo stated that necessary investigations and financial reconciliations would determine subsequent actions.He also ordered the reversal of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the old Ministry of Works with immediate effect.The governor cited what he called lack of completed bridges or significant road projects as a justification for changing the ministry of roads and bridges back to ministry of works.“It is ironic that despite its name, the ministry did not construct a single bridge, not even a pedestrian one,” he said.The governor directed immediate implementation and reflection of the new name across official documents and platforms. (NAN)NEWS
Breaking…….NNPC Ltd. Records 1.8mbpd Crude Oil Production
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) says it has achieved 1.8 million barrels per day crude production following continuous dislodgement of pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves.Mr Lawal Musa, Chief Production War Room Officer, NNPC Ltd., said this on Thursday in Abuja during a briefing on NNPC Ltd.
production.Musa, who is also the Senior Business Advisor to Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), NNPC Ltd. , said that the achievement was based on the collaboration between the leadership of NNPC, stakeholders and security agencies. “We achieved this because of the clear mandate by President Bola Tinubu to ramp up crude oil production in the country,” Musa said. (NAN)NEWS
EFCC Admits Ex-Kogi Governor’s Alleged Co-defendants to Bail
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has admitted the co-defendants in alleged money laundering charge filed against the immediate-past Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to administrative bail.EFCC’s counsel, Jamiu Agoro, informed Justice Maryann Anenih of an Abuja High Court on Thursday upon resumed hearing in the charge.
The former governor, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are being prosecuted as 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in a fresh 16-count charge instituted against them by the anti-graft agency. Agoro also sought for adjournment in the fresh case the EFCC instituted against the ex-governor, saying the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued. running.The EFCC, however, said, it admitted Bello ‘s alleged co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to bail and prayed the court for extension of time for the Bello to appear.At the resumed hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih , Counsel for EFCC, Jamiu Agoro, said the order of the court, given on Oct 3 had not elapsed.“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running.” So we have discussed and agreed to come back on the Nov 27,” he told the court.He also noted that the Nov 20 date earlier given was not convenient for the Prosecution counsel.Counsel to the 2nd Defendant, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail by the Prosecution.He said he had no objection to the application for adjournment.The 3rd Defendant’s Counsel, ZE Abass, concurred also.The prosecution Counsel also asked the court to grant an application to paste the notice of hearing on the last known address of the former governor.After listening to all counsel, the judge granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment, including the hearing notice.“I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice and the submission by the 2nd and 3rd Defendants. The application is granted,” she said.Justice Anenih thereby adjourned the case until Nov 27.Report says that Justice Anenih had on Oct. 3, 2024 issued a public summon against Bello following his absence in a fresh arraignment on 16-count charges preferred against him by the EFCC.Justice Anenih issued the summon in a ruling following an ex parte application by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN praying the court to grant leave that Bello should be served the charge via substituted means.The court ordered that the charge should be served on Bello at his known residence, No 4, Bengazi Street, Maitama, Abuja, through a public summons to be published in widely circulated national newspapers and also pasted within the premises of the court.(NAN)