The Edo State Assets Verification Committee, set up by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, says it has uncovered how the contract sum for a road project in the state was inflated from N8 billion to N16 billion by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki.

DAILY POST reports that the contract sum for the 17.5-kilometer road project was inflated thrice within a year.

The Sub-committee on Physical Assets and Infrastructure of the Verification Committee discovered the inflation during an inspection of the reconstruction of the Benin-Abraka Road Phase 1C.

The contract was awarded to Nsik Engineering Company Limited on May 16, 2023, while work commenced in September 2023.

The project manager of the construction firm, Engr. Ifiokebong Ekong, who spoke to members of the committee during the inspection, said the company was mobilized with the sum of N2.9 billion, representing 25 percent of the contract sum of N8 billion.

Ekong said after the mobilization, the contract sum was varied, and some amount was added to the initial cost of the project.

He added that the completion period of the job, which was initially three and a half years, was, however, reviewed downward to 18 months (one year and six months).

The project manager said the contract sum was initially N8 billion when it was awarded in September 2023, but it was reviewed upward to N12 billion in 2024 and later to the current sum of N16.4 billion in June 2024.

Speaking on the revelation, a member of the subcommittee, Engr. Abass Braimah, who frowned at the development, said the increment was 100 percent.

According to him, “I don’t think there is anywhere in Nigeria or outside that a project can be awarded for N8 billion, reviewed to N12 billion, and further reviewed to N16 billion.

“Why not just review it and take the entire purse of Edo State? If we can review from N8 billion to upward of between N12 billion and N16 billion in one year?

“What has substantially changed for you to have a 100 percent increment from N8 billion to N16 billion? Meanwhile, the job specification or contents have not changed. It is still the same thing.

“And all of these went through the Tenders Board processes. The Board must have sat down to peruse, and it was not only you who submitted documents and bid for the contract.

“Against the backdrop of several other companies that tendered, they gave you this job at N8 billion. After the job was awarded at N8 billion, they reviewed it with a 50 percent increment. Fifty percent of N8 billion is N4 billion, which increased the sum to N12 billion, and they further reviewed it to N16 billion.

“What type of games are we playing here? These are games,” he said.

Earlier, the chairman of the subcommittee, Patrick Obahiagbon, said the explanation by the project manager of the company confirmed the content of a petition the committee received from some citizens of the state on the alleged inflation of the contract sum for the road project.

Obahiagbon, who said the inflation took place within one year, alleged that it must have been done by the immediate past government to use the funds to finance the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

“The reason we have to take pains to particularly visit this site is based on a petition from Edo State citizens that we have just received.

“And the narrations of the construction firm’s project manager seem to justify the reasons and the nitty-gritty of that petition. The content of that petition was to the effect that there were massive reviews of contracts on this project because of the election.

“That the contract was colossally inflated because the outgoing governor needed money urgently and desperately to fund the September 21 governorship election.

“It makes no sense that within one year, a road contract sum would be varied from N8 billion to N12 billion and, in June, some few months to the election — maybe for election purposes— the contract sum again was varied from N12 billion to N16 billion.

“Maybe the petitioners were correct after all. If they were correct, this is an unfair deal to the people of Edo State,” he said.

Obahiagbon, who described the development as sad, added that the committee would urge the main committee to recommend to the state government that further investigation be carried out on the petition and the statement of the company’s project manager.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has asserted that his principal is making efforts to make life much easier for Nigerians in all areas.

According to Bwala, the Renewed Hope agenda of the incumbent government aims to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.

Bwala expressed this sentiment while highlighting the recent introduction of electronic gates by the Immigration Service at international airports, which seeks to enhance the travel experience and minimize issues related to human interaction in Nigeria.

The presidential aide emphasized that this progressive initiative by Tinubu’s administration represents a crucial advancement in the modernization of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.

“As part of @officialABAT renewed Hope promise to Nigerians, the administration’s Immigration Service launches electronic gates at international airports, all in a bid to enhance the travel experience and reduce challenges associated with human contact.

“This innovative move by this government marks a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and improving the overall travel experience of passengers.

“The idea of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope is to make life easier for Nigerians in all areas of their endeavours.

“The reforms are yielding some positives already and will only get better on a long run. Let’s keep the hope alive!” [sic],” Bwala wrote on his X handle.

The leader of the United Kingdom, UK, Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has replied to Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, saying she stands by her remarks about Nigeria despite criticism that she is denigrating the country.

Badenoch has allegedly described her upbringing in Nigeria as being overshadowed by fear and insecurity in a country plagued by corruption.

Born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents, she married a Scottish banker, Hamish Badenoch, and took her husband’s surname.

Before she was elected leader of the Conservative Party, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.

“This is my country. I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others.

“I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere.

“I grew up in a place where fear was everywhere. You cannot understand it unless you’ve lived it. Triple-checking that all the doors and windows are locked, waking up in the night at every sound, listening as you hear your neighbours scream as they are being burgled and beaten, wondering if your home would be next,” she said.

DAILY POST reports that Vice President Shettima on Monday responded, accusing Badenoch of denigrating Nigeria.

Shettima had asked Badenoch to remove the “Kemi” from her name if she was not proud of her nation of origin.

Asked about Shettima’s comments, Badenoch, through her spokesperson, said she stands by her statements and is not interested in doing public relations for Nigeria.

“She is the leader of the opposition, and she is very proud of her leadership of the opposition in this country.

“She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says,” the spokesperson said.

The senate has asked Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), to halt the demolitions in the nation’s capital.

The decision of the upper legislative chamber was sequel to a motion sponsored by Ireti Kingibe, senator representing FCT.

In recent months, the federal capital development authority (FCDA), under the leadership of Wike, has intensified the demolition of “illegally” constructed estates and shanties in the FCT.

The minister had said some of the shanties posed threats to the security of the nation’s capital.

The red chamber also resolved to set up an ad hoc committee led by Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, to investigate the matter.

The FCT minister is expected to appear before the committee to answer questions about the demolitions that have rendered many people homeless in the nation’s capital.

Recently, Rita Lori-Ogbebor, chief executive officer of Rita Lori Hotels, revealed that the FCDA revoked a parcel of land in the Life Camp area of Abuja.

The land, she said, belonged to the late Paul Ogbebor, a retired colonel and her former husband.

Lori-Ogbebor has since asked President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the situation, adding that the parcel of land has been in her family for decades.

Seplat Energy says it has completed the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) from ExxonMobil.

In a statement on Thursday, Seplat Energy described the transaction as transformative.

Seplat said it will more than double production and position the company to foster growth and profitability, whilst contributing significantly to Nigeria’s future prosperity.

“MPNU adds substantial reserves and production to Seplat Energy; 409 MMboe 2P reserves and 670 MMboe 2P + 2C reserves and resources as at 30 June 2024 and 6M 2024 average daily production of 71.4 kboepd,” Seplat said.

“As operator, Seplat’s immediate tasks are to ensure smooth transition of MPNU staff into Seplat, and on the operations, to swiftly target numerous opportunities that exist to organically grow production and further enhance the value of the assets for all stakeholders.”

Seplat said detailed guidance for the enlarged group in 2025 would be provided with Seplat’s full-year 2024 results, expected to be filed in February 2025.

‘READMISSION OF SHARES TO TRADING’

As regards the completion of the acquisition of MPNU, Seplat said the listing of its existing ordinary shares on the official list of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom is expected to be cancelled with effect from the close of trading later today.

Afterwards, Seplat said the shares would be readmitted to the equity shares (international commercial companies secondary listing) segment of the official list of the FCA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Seplat said the readmission is expected to occur at 8:00am on December 13.

“No new shares will be issued in connection with Re-admission,” the company said.

“The Company’s ordinary shares will continue to trade under the name Seplat Energy plc with the ticker symbol “SEPL” and ISIN NGSEPLAT0008.”

Commenting on the transaction, Udoma Udoma, chairman of Seplat Energy, commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the transaction, appreciating the support and diligence of the various ministries and regulators for all the efforts to reach a successful conclusion.

“We are delighted to welcome the MPNU employees to Seplat Energy. We are excited to begin our journey in a new region of the country, and we look forward to replicating the positive impacts we have achieved within our communities in our current areas of operations,” he said.

“Seplat’s mission is to deliver value to all our stakeholders, and we treasure the good relationships we have developed with the Government, regulators, communities and our staff.”

On his part, Roger Brown, chief executive officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy, said the company has achieved a major feat.

Brown further thanked the entire Seplat team for their diligence and perseverance in completing the transaction.

“MPNU’s employees and contractors have a strong reputation for safety and operational excellence, and I welcome them to the Seplat Energy Group,” he said.

“We have acquired a company with one of the best portfolios of assets and related infrastructure in a world class basin, providing enormous potential for the Seplat Group. Our commitment is to invest to increase oil and gas production while reducing costs and emissions, maximising value for all our stakeholders.

“MPNU is a perfect fit with our strategy to build a sustainable business that can deliver affordable, accessible and reliable energy for Nigeria alongside attractive returns to our shareholders.”

On October 21, Gbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), announced approval of the deal by the federal government.

Seplat had said it will complete the transaction with a final consideration of $800 million.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged those criticising President Bola Tinubu and his administration to put a stop to their actions.

Matawalle, in a statement on Thursday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, observed that several of the criticisms against President Tinubu are coming from the North.

He, however, observed that Tinubu is working, and his economic policies are producing positive results across the country, hence the call for those criticising the President to desist and join hands with him in the task of nation-building.

The Minister said the turnaround would benefit all Nigerians in the long run.

“In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, I urge critics to be positive in their narratives.

“I also call on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.

“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr President, who is diligently working hard to revitalise our economy through series of effective policies, programmes and reforms,” he said.

Speaking on the controversial tax reform bills, Matawalle said President Tinubu is laying a foundation for a sustainable economy through his reform proposals.

The Minister said the tax reforms, when effective, would turn the country’s economy around positively, increase revenue generation for the government and lessen the tax burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.

“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.

“These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle explained.

The Minister also commended the Tinubu government for its strides in security and military welfare.

According to him, the present administration has made giant strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment.

He added that the welfare of military personnel has been made the priority by the Tinubu government, and the troops always receive their salaries and allowances on time.

He, therefore, urged everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place under the current administration and give it all the necessary support.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognise the positive changes taking place,” the minister said.

There was an uproar at the house of representatives on Thursday after Ajang Iliya, a Plateau lawmaker, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Labour Party (LP).

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, read the defection letter of Illiya who represents Jos south/Jos east federal constituency on the floor of the green chamber.

The Plateau rep cited the leadership crisis in the LP as the reason he left the party.

Though a court has since recognised Julius Abure as the chair of the LP, a caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman has claimed to be in charge of the party.

Illiya said there is a need to also align with the developmental policies of President Bola Tinubu.

“It is difficult to align with LP’s position on current issues,” his letter read.

But some opposition lawmakers expressed dismay over the development.

Kingsley Chinda, minority leader of the house, said the defection should be rejected because the lawmaker had not met constitutional requirements to defect to the APC.

Chinda said Illiya needed to join the APC at his ward in Plateau first.

The development came about a week after four LP reps defected to the APC.

The lawmakers were Chinedu Okere (Owerri municipal/Owerri north/Owerri west federal constituency), Mathew Donatus (Kaura federal constituency of Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Calabar municipal/Odukpani federal constituency of Cross River), and Esosa Iyawe (Oredo federal constituency of Edo).

The lawmakers attributed their defection to an alleged crisis in the LP.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed the use of computer-generated slips for voter accreditation during elections.

Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, disclosed this on Thursday at a meeting with the resident electoral commissioners (REC) on planning and reform learning from the experience of the 2023 general election.

Yakubu said the commission consulted widely internally with its officials and external stakeholders to identify 142 recommendations dealing with the general state of preparedness, voter management, voter education, public communication and the electoral legal framework.

The chairman said on the legal review, there are eight recommendations that require legislative action by the national assembly.

“Very soon, the commission will make a presentation to the joint committee of the senate and house of representatives on electoral matters as they continue to deliberate on electoral reform,” he said.

Yakubu said with the introduction of the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS), the use of the permanent voters’ cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day should be reviewed.

“Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation,” he said.

“This will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters in order to disenfranchise them.”

He said the report also contains recommendations on early/special voting for the millions of Nigerians who do not vote at the moment on account of the roles they play during elections.

They include INEC officials, security personnel, ad hoc staff, observers and journalists who are deployed outside the places where they registered to vote.

“There are also recommendations in support of diaspora voting, the unbundling of the commission with the establishment of electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties,” he said.

“Similarly, the commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to polling units.”