Connect with us

POLITICS

Reps Make Case for Abandoned Road Project in Kogi

Published

on

Share

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Works to re-mobilise Setraco Nigeria Ltd. for immediate completion of Iluke-Aiyetoro–Kiri-Abugi–Eggan Road in Kogi.

The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Salman Idris (APC-Kogi) at plenary on Thursday.

Moving the motion earlier, Idris said that the strategic socio-economic importance of the road to the country’s economy could not be over-emphasised.

According to Idris, the role is a major link among large-scale farming and agrarian communities.

He recalled that the Federal Executive Council had, on Wednesday, approved the sum of N25.3 billion for the construction of the road.

The lawmaker said that the contract was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd., with the project consistently captured in successive Appropriations Act totalling N2.45 billion.

He said that the construction firm was mobilised to the site and had only completed approximately six kilometres of asphalt work and some earth work at Giro Hill, out of a total of 79.63 kilometres, due to inadequate annual budgetary releases.

“The abandonment of the project has caused severe ecological challenges to adjoining communities, crippling their means of livelihood, while cutting them off from accessing neighbouring towns.

“We are concerned that the deplorable state of the road continues to inflict hardship on commuters, including the loss of productive time and economic opportunities, while also limiting access to essential services such as healthcare;

“We are also concerned that the communities along the corridor have become frequent targets of terrorist attacks, with several lives lost and others injured or kidnapped.

“The current state of the road poses serious safety hazards, as the open excavations and uneven surfaces have become accident-prone areas, leading to avoidable loss of lives.

“The abandonment of this critical infrastructure has stifled grassroots development, hindered the movement of goods and services, discouraged investment and diminished the overall quality of lives of residents in the area,” he said.

The house, therefore, urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure regular patrols along the corridor to curb the activities of criminals.

In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, mandated the Committee on Appropriation to ensure adequate funding for the project in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

He also mandated the Committee on Works to ensure compliance by the Federal Ministry of Works and oversee the timely completion of the project.

POLITICS

APC e-Registration Intensifies in Enugu as Nomeh Ward Flags off Exercise

Published

on

Share

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Residents and political leaders of Nomeh Unateze Ward in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have intensified the All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic membership registration exercise in the state.

The people also used the opportunity to endorse the party as their rallying point come 2027, throwing their full weight behind President Bola Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah and all candidates of the APC in the forthcoming general election.

They made their stand known during the official flag-off of the APC electronic membership registration exercise in the ward, which turned into a rally of appreciation for the governor’s projects in the area and a declaration of loyalty to the APC.

Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant on Media (External Relations) to the Governor, Uche Anichukwu, said the massive turnout was a clear sign that the people were satisfied with the performance of the Enugu State Government and its alignment with the APC.

“The large turnout we witnessed here today clearly shows that the people of Nomeh Unateze are extremely happy with the Governor of Enugu State. It also shows that the people of Nomeh Unateze are happy with the APC. You could see the excitement. It was quite organic; it wasn’t manufactured,” Anichukwu said.

He pointed to several ongoing and completed projects in the community as the reason for the growing support for Mbah, President Bola Tinubu, and the APC.

“If you look up there, you would see the magnificent Smart Green School, completed and standing here in Nomeh Unateze, and as you drive down the road, you would see the Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centre. There is also the ongoing Nomeh–Mburubu–Nara Road and, of course, the Nomeh–Oduma Road under construction. The governor is also promising many other projects.

“After seeing these things, nobody should be surprised that our people are excited to join the APC. In fact, I got a lot of calls that we should send more people because they want more hands to help register them,” he said.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Nkanu East Local Government Council, Rev. Felix Okoye, reminded the people that registering with the APC and obtaining their voter’s cards were the only ways of guaranteeing the continued execution of the numerous projects of the Mbah administration in Nomeh community and Enugu State.

He recalled that Mbah had revived or completed several abandoned projects in the state.

The Ward Councilor, Hon. Jonathan Orji, thanked the people for the overwhelming acceptance of the APC as the new political train in the state under Mbah’s leadership.

Chairman of APC in Nomeh Ward, Fidelis Mbah, said the e-registration in the ward, which used to be a Peoples Democratic Party enclave, marked the consolidation of the state’s recent political shift to the centre and APC.

“So, today is the official flag-off of APC membership registration in Nomeh Ward. We promised that wherever he goes, we will also go with him because of the great job he is doing. The turnout speaks volumes, but it is nothing compared to what you will see here on Election Day,” he declared.

APC Woman Leader in the ward, Victoria Ubah, said women in the community had unanimously decided to support the APC because of the governor’s development projects.

“The governor has done so much for us. He built a hospital for us, he built a Smart School for us, he is building roads and bridges for us, and he is helping the poor and the farmers. All the women in this community have decided to register with the APC, and we will vote for Mbah in 2027,” she said.

A member of the APC executive in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Nkechi Okafor, said the community had already made up its mind.

“Mbah has done a lot for the Nomeh people. You could see the projects yourselves. Because of that, you could also see nearly a thousand people here. We are all APC from the day Dr. Peter Mbah led us into the party. So, we are very happy. There is no vacancy, and it is APC all the way,” she declared.

Continue Reading

POLITICS

NNPP disowns planned protests against INEC

Published

on

Share

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has disassociated itself from a plan protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled for Tuesday.

National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson in a statement in Abuja on Monday said the attention of the party was drawn to reports of plan by NNPP to stage a protest at INEC head office in Abuja as well as across states of the Federation.

”The NNPP wishes to use this medium to dissociate the party from the illegal demonstration called by an illegal body claiming to be speaking on behalf of the NNPP,” he said.

Johnson said that those behind the illegal protest were not members of the party as established by the Federal High Court in Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/1354/2024 of April 18, 2024.

He said that Justice Emeka Nwite in the suit affirmed that they had ceased to be members of the party following their expulsion by the appropriate organs of the party.

”Up till today, they have not appealed the judgment, but instead, engaging in forum shopping looking for orders that have no foundations in law.

”As it is their trademark, they go to the courts hiding the facts of the matter, and once the courts hear the correct story, they discard them like pack of cards.

”NNPP wishes to reiterate that it is not involved in any protest slated for Tuesday, and state categorically that the persons behind the protest are impostors,” he said.

Johnson therefore called on NNPP members to remain calm even in the face of provocations by elements aimed at distracting the party from its stated objectives. (NAN)

Continue Reading

POLITICS

Nasarawa Lawmaker Donates Cash, Awards Scholarships, Others to Constituents

Published

on

Share

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Member representing Keffi West Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana, popularly known as Baba Ali and Wakilin Yamman Keffi, has demonstrated people-centred leadership, tagged: as a “Legacy of human capital development”.

The initiative aimed at empowering the constituents, promoting education, economic independence and youth development, the lawmaker donated a cash of N27 million , 58 motorcycles, 20 sewing machines, and fully funded university scholarships to 26 students to cover full course of their study at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) with over total cost amount of N90 million.

The empowerment programme, unveiled over the weekend at the Emir’s Palace in Keffi, attracted traditional leaders, political office holders, community members and beneficiaries from the five electoral wards represented, and across Keffi Local Government Area.

In recognising Hon. Nana efforts, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, lauded the lawmaker’s foresight for designing such an impactful programme that not only addresses immediate community needs but also establishes a foundation for long-term, sustainable development.

The governor urged the people and beneficiaries to be law-abiding citizens and actively support the All Progressives Congress (APC) led-administration for better representation and democratic values. He emphasized the importance of the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise, he stressed that the initiative is crucial for the party’s organisational strength and future electoral success.

He further explained that the e-registration exercise is to ensure every eligible resident becomes a registered member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to strengthen the party’s grassroots network across Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large. “Don’t hesitate to have your APC membership card” he advised.

Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana (Baba Ali) expressed his deepest appreciation to the people of Keffi West for the trust and mandate bestowed upon him to represent them at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. He described the opportunity to serve as a privilege and reaffirmed his continued commitment to delivering dividends of democracy that will genuinely improve the lives of the Constituents.

According to the lawmaker, his representation is firmly anchored on development, empowerment and inclusive growth, stressing that leadership must be measured by impact rather than words. He noted that every initiative undertaken by him since assuming office has been driven by the desire to reduce hardship, expand opportunities and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the constituency.

“As a representative entrusted with this mandate, I remain committed to sustaining meaningful development and empowerment programmes that will directly touch the lives of our people across Keffi West,” he stated.

Hon. Nana emphasized that education remains the backbone of societal progress and the surest path to producing responsible leaders and skilled professionals.

He encouraged the scholarship beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, reminding them that education equips individuals with the knowledge and discipline required to contribute positively to the society.

The lawmaker noted that he remains the first as house member to initiate such a comprehensive scholarship programme that supported students from entry level through graduation at the university, in Keffi LGA. “Education is the bedrock of every success. When we invest in education, we are investing in the future of our communities and our state,” he added.

Hon. Nana explained that empowering citizens with tools and resources is a practical way to reduce unemployment, curb social vices and stimulate local economic growth.

He urged beneficiaries to use the items judiciously, expand to their businesses and, in turn, empower others within their communities. “When we began this journey, we promised representation anchored on impact. Today, by Allah’s grace and with your support, we are witnessing that promise translate into reality,” he said.

The Executive Chairman of Keffi Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Idris Ahmad Damagani, also addressed the gathering, where he openly commended Hon. Nana for what he described as a historic and people-driven empowerment initiative. He praised the lawmaker for setting a standard of responsive and accountable representation within Nasarawa State.

Hon. Dr. Damagani urged the beneficiaries and residents of Keffi Local Government to continue supporting leaders who prioritise results over rhetoric. He emphasized that development-oriented leaders like Hon. Nana are assets that must be encouraged and retained for the sustained progress of Keffi and the state at large.

“We cannot afford to lose a representative like Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Nana. Leadership should be about results, not mere promises,” he stated.

Lastly, the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the lawmaker for his generosity and dedication to community development, they described the support as genuine love for humanity and life-changer.

The beneficiaries collectively offered prayers for Hon. Nana’s continued success and assured him of their support in the 2027 electoral cycle. “We are deeply grateful for your developmental support. We assure you of our total support come 2027, and we pray that Almighty Allah rewards you abundantly,” they said.

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

Foreign News13 minutes ago

UN Urges Media to Spotlight Humanitarian Crisis

Share The United Nations has called for stronger global media engagement on humanitarian crises around the world, particularly the situation...

NEWS17 minutes ago

FIFA President Slams AFCON Final Chaos

ShareFIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” which overshadowed their victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup...

Education24 minutes ago

FG Restates Commitment to Free Technical Education

ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja Reaffirming its strong commitment to free technical education and skills development, the Federal Government has announced...

POLITICS27 minutes ago

APC e-Registration Intensifies in Enugu as Nomeh Ward Flags off Exercise

ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu Residents and political leaders of Nomeh Unateze Ward in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu...

NEWS29 minutes ago

IMF Lifts Nigeria’s 2026 Growth Forecast to 4.4 Per Cent

ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised Nigeria’s economic growth forecast for 2026 to 4.4 per...

NEWS32 minutes ago

Nigeria House in Davos, Response to Past Economic Lapses – Shettima

ShareVice-President Kashim Shettima said the inauguration of Nigeria’s first House in Davos reflects renewed seriousness, readiness and resolve to shape...

NEWS34 minutes ago

Police Officer Shoots Colleague Dead, Injures Others in Rivers

ShareThe Police Command in Rivers has arrested Insp. Victor Okus for allegedly shooting his colleague, Insp. Ibrahim Sani, to death...

NEWS37 minutes ago

Fallen Tanker: Sanwo-Olu Reassures Residents of Safety Measures

ShareThe Lagos State Government has reassured the residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property as well as quick...

NEWS39 minutes ago

NSCDC Commissions New Divisional Office in Kwara

ShareThe Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, has commissioned a new divisional office in Epe-Opin, Ekiti LGA,...

NEWS43 minutes ago

ShareFairMoney Pays N7bn Interest, Loan Disbursements Hit N150bn FairMoney Microfinance Bank has said   it paid over N7bn in interest to savings...