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FEC Okays N759bn for Obajana–Benin, Isheri-Ogun Roads

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By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu approved the sum of N759 billion for the Obajana-Benin Road and the Isheri-Ogun Road.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who briefed alongside his colleagues explained that the council approved additional N757 billion as augmentation for the dualisation of the 489km Obajana-Benin Road, N2.

23 billion for the Isheri-Ogun Road and N114 billion for Outer Marina shoreline protection.
 

He explained, “Today we’ve got augmentation approved for Obajana in Lokoja to Benin Road, a total of 244km and 489km dualized. Recall that in 2012, this project was awarded to four contractors: CGC, Mothercat, Dantata & Sawoe and RCC at a total cost of N122 billion, and that was for light rehabilitation.

“Around 2018, the past administration reviewed the project and dualised it and that’s why you have a total of 489km and then now got ‘No Objection’ from BPP. When I came on board in August, we were supposed to present the no-objection to FEC in line with due process and we decided to review the project, one, to determine whether the dualisation was desirable in view of the economic challenges and two, to see the texture of the soil and what to do.

“So we had to restore the project now, but we didn’t increase the cost. We got approval for argumentation from N122 billion to N897 billion. The contractors were off-site because they would not be working and they would not be paid based on the new basic rate. So we got them back to the site and Today we got approval.”

Umahi said the Council also approved N2.23 billion for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency for the rehabilitation of the road from Isheri North to Ogun state.

“Now, under FERMA, we got approval for the construction of Isheri north, Lagos route, which is to connect Ogun state. This is an alternative route to Lagos – Shagamu Road and we’re going to toll this Lagos-Shagamu when completed. But by law, you only toll a federal road when you have an alternative.

“This approval of about N2.23 billion to connect Isheri North to Ogun state. It is a breakthrough that has freed the Lagos-Shagamu for tolling,” he revealed.

Explaining the Council’s approval for the N114 billion Outer Marina shoreline protection, Umahi said, “The shore protection was done over 50 years back with sheet piles and we had to take the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on a tour with Julius Berger through the entire shoreline of 3.92km. 

“We took the tour with Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC and BuildWell, and demanded for them to inspect and then give us their proposal. Only BuildWell and CCECC brought their proposals.

“Whereas CCECC was quoting on 3.2km at N134 billion, BuildWell was quoting on 3.9km at N114 billion. We sent the two to BPP and BPP found merit in BuildWell because of cost and, of course, the latest technology in doing shore protection using interlocking concrete, which will not be subject to rusting. So we got approval for Build Well in the sum of N114 billion.”

The minister, speaking on the shoreline protection project, said it was necessary given its proximity to the recently inaugurated Red Line and other existing structures in the area. He added that his ministry sought to leverage the low-water levels of the dry season to drive piles down the shore.

Umahi on Wednesday explained that contrary to the beliefs, the rising cost of production was responsible for the recent cement price hike, and not its concrete road policy.

He added that his insistence on concrete roads will not phase out traditional asphalt roads as it was only an alternative for sites with high water tables and poor conditions.

“This assertion is highly misplaced because the policy has not even taken off,” said the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, when he briefed State House Correspondents after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

He was reacting to warnings by the Cement Producers Association of Nigeria that the FG’s plan to introduce concrete roads will raise the price of cement from N5,600 to N9,000 per bag.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives had invited top manufacturers, Aliko Dangote Rabiu Abdulsamad, among others for discussions on the high cost of the product.

The House’s resolution was a sequel to the adoption of a motion titled “Arbitrary increase in the price of cement by manufacturers of cement in Nigeria,” moved by a member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, Mr Gaza Gbefwi, and his counterpart representing Shomolu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Ademorin Kuye, during plenary on Wednesday.

Fielding questions on the issue, Umahi cited recently released documents showing that Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc spent N598.14 billion on power during the full year ended December 31, 2023.

He explained, “I just got a document this morning where three companies producing cement, Dangote, BUA and Lafarge, said in 2023, the total cost of their gas rose by over 42 per cent. So, if the cost of their gas rose by 42 per cent and then the import duty exchange rate also gone up, it is expected that the cost of cement would go up.”

“But Mr. President has discussed with them and I think there are a couple of incentives being made available to them which should reduce the cost of cement. In Sokoto, where I visited recently, the BUA Executive Director said that the ex-factory was N6000. And that was down from 8000. We are getting there because Mr. President has directed them to reduce the price and they have to comply and I think Mr President has also offered some incentives to them.

“So it’s not because we are going from asphalt to concrete. And we are not totally leaving the asphalt. It is just an alternative, especially where we have a very high water table and then a very poor sight condition.”

POLITICS

APC Adopts Charter of Equity in Imo

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From Marcel Duru, Owerri

 The former Commissioner in Imo state on Environmental Transformation and General Supervisor and coordinator of All Progressive Congress (APC), Willie Amadi has said the party in the State has adopted the Charter of Equity in the 2028 Governorship election in Imo State.

Speaking with  Journalists and stakeholders in Owerri, Imo state yesterday he revealed that all the APC political groups which Include OZOPOF, Owerri Leaders of Taught, Nzuko Owerri, OZAC amongst others have come together to form Owerri United.

He disclosed that in the last meeting with Council of Elders the former Inspector General of Police IGP Mike Okiro, Eze Ohanwe, Chief Enugasi popularly  call Ok 2000, the Chairman Imo Elders  Council Eze Ilomanya, the Political leaders in the three Senatorial Zones supported motion moved by Elder Dan Nwachukwu that the governorship position should be zoned to Owerri and the Incumbent governor Senator Hope Uzodimma should hand over 2028 governorship Staff to Owerri zone was unanimously adopted and sealed by the great leader of  Owerri,Orlu and Okigwe Zones which consolidated  Charter  of  Equity in Imo State, now Orlu, and Okigwe Zones will support Owerri to produce the next Governor of Imo State for the actualization of Charter of Equity”

Meanwhile, accepting the Charter of Equity the governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodimma said that he will call stakeholders to meet with Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zones for the actualization of Charter of Equity come 2028.

In her contribution the former Transport Minister Dr, kema Chikwe highlighted that she trusted Governor Hope Uzodinma that the Charter of Equity should be successful   because in 1999 governor hope Uzodinma, Professor Obiozo, Professor Echerue, Achike Udenwa, I.D. Nwoga, Humphrey Anumodu  came in unity and appointed Chief Achike udenwa  who gave assurance that after eight years he will handover governorship staff to Owerri zone adding that he actually tried to have over to Owerri zone but the power that he could not allow any other political party In Imo State only PDP

Similarly Rev. Mike Nwanyanwu in his revelation said that Charter of Equity has chartered itself because Okigwe Zone has ruled for eight years starting from Chief Onuka Mbakwe who ruled from 1979 to 1983 then Chief Ikedi Ohakim from 2007 to 2011 giving Okigwe Zone eight years.

He added that Orlu Zone from Achikwe Udenwa in 1999-2007, Senator Rochas Okorocha from 2011 to 2019 and Hope Uzodimma from 2019, to 2027 will make Orlu Zone Governorship slot to 24 years.

He projected that Owerri Zone had Evans Enwerem only had only three Months of leadership and Chief Emeka Ihedioha had also seven Months totaled 10 Months

 Anyanwu however commented Chief Ostia Opara for donating Six million Naira that motivated instant Fund raising of N2 billion for the party’s campaign adding that from every indication, Owerri Zone deserved the governorship slot come 2028.

In the same vein, Chief Victor Okwe who disagreed with Charter of Equity told the Correspondent of Daily Asset that true democracy does not require Charter of Equity.

“Chart of Equity is not democratic, APC is talking about Charter of Equity because they are not interested or intended to give us good leadership”.

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POLITICS

Ex-Zamfara Kaura, Declares Intention for Second Turn

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From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

A former Zamfara Senator, Tijjani Yahaya Kaura has declared his intention to contest for Zamfara North Senatorial Seat in the 2027 general elections.

Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who also was in the Senate for Zamfara North Senatorial zone in the same  between 2015 and 2019.

Addressing newsmen in Gusau, Senator Kaura said his decision to contest the Zamfara North Senatorial Seat was borne out of his desire to provide quality representation and contribute to improving the wellbeing of the people, especially the provision of employment opportunities for qualified youths in the constituency and Zamfara tate in general.

“My intention followed my desire to contribute to the development of my people, ranging from employment opportunities, to Educational development which is one of the most important and critical investments of the people for the future of the constituency”, he added.

“I think a lot of things in my mind but, the major area of my priority is youth’s employment and empowerment”

“I noticed increasing number of our unemployed youths seeking for jobs, they always come to me seeking for employment”

“You know, when I was in office as Senator, I was able to record tremendous achievements in the area of securing jobs opportunities for our teeming youths where over five hundred youth were employed by my representation, pointing out that if elected my target is to provide jobs opportunities for two thousands youth in Zamfara North Senatorial District and Zamfara State in general”

“When I got the opportunity, I will continue from where I stopped. I am not in politics because of money and other material gain. I always join politics because of development, and youth’s empowerment”

“I am in politics to serve my people, not for selfish aggrandizement. My candidature for Zamfara North Senatorial district is to contribute to the development of my constituents, focusing on alleviating poverty and improving infrastructure for health, education and road network”

Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura commended the leadership of the APC in the State under Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state for organizing a historic stakeholders meeting of the party which serves as the most historic event in the history of Zamfara State.

The former Senator said that the stakeholders meeting being attended by all the Four former governors, who governed the state including Senator Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubukar and the current Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle.

“The stakeholders meeting is a strong demonstration of unity, trust and mutual understanding for the general development of the State”

“I think Governor Dauda Lawal should be commended for organizing the meeting which is the first of its kind in the state.

“The stakeholders meeting was a historic event that brought all the critical stakeholders in the state together in order to chart a common purpose which is putting Zamfara state at heart in all ramifications.

“As Governor Dauda Lawal rightly said, his decision of joining the APC was not for political reasons only, but for the general development of the State.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on the entire people of the state to support governor Dauda Lawal to succeed in promoting unity, peace and stability as well as general peace building, especially protecting our communities from lingering security challenges.”

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POLITICS

Tinubu Assigns Kalu to Lead Abia APC, Yari, Bamidele, Others Senate Return Ticket

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By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has entrusted Senator Orji Uzor Kalu with the responsibility of coordinating the activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move is seen as part of a broader political realignment ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate however disclosed that the directive followed a recent visit to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Confirming the development via his official Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by the President.

“I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he stated.

He further outlined his strategic focus, emphasising party cohesion and electoral preparedness in the state.

“As the most senior Governor in the state, I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the President’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election, while advancing the best interests of Abia State and Nigeria at large,” Kalu added.

The assignment underscores ongoing efforts by the APC to strengthen its grassroots structure in Abia State, a region where the party has historically faced stiff competition, while positioning itself for improved electoral performance.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that President Tinubu may be favourably disposed to granting automatic Senate tickets to a select group of lawmakers.

This was hinted by the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris during a recent interaction with political stakeholders in the state.

According to the Governor, the lawmakers under consideration for continuity include prominent figures such as Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), among others.

Also listed are Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar (Kebbi North), Idiat Oluranti Adebule (Lagos West), Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), and Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East).

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