Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for going on with the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project in defiance of public outcry.

He expressed displeasure that the government is embarking on a project threatening jobs at a time of rampant unemployment.

According to him, it’s not too late to discontinue the Lagos-Calabar highway project, adding that urgent necessities are nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged.

Obi described the reported demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way for the project as insensitive and heart-wrenching.

He lamented that livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments wasted, and jobs disappearing as a result of the demolition.

In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said that the hasty flag-off of the project defies the widespread outcry by the public, especially business and property owners directly affected by the project.

He said: “Contrary to reason and the necessity for compassion in public policy, the federal government has commenced the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

“The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country. However, reports as of yesterday indicate that demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way for the project has commenced from the Lagos end.

“The sight of this insensitive demolition is heart-wrenching. Livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments are being wasted, and jobs are disappearing as bulldozers roar through. The homes of the elderly are being overturned by the power of bulldozers.

“This hasty flag-off defies the widespread outcry by the public, especially business and property owners directly affected by the project. Nobody knows the outcry that will accompany this project as it progresses towards poor rural landscapes.

“Thousands of jobs are about to be lost, with investments above $200 million at risk. Over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector face imminent extinction, along with 80 small businesses and their 4000 mostly youth employees.

“At a time of rampant unemployment, the government is embarking on a job-losing project. The economic losses currently observed are primarily limited to the initial kilometers in the Lagos area.

“However, the 700 km stretch of this road will pass through rural regions where affected individuals lack the voice, power, or influence to assert their rights. Significant sections of the public have questioned the process preceding the project’s approval, yet the government remains deaf to reason and caution.

“While acknowledging the economic value of the road, its conception dating back to Tafewa Balewa’s time, several parameters have changed. Insecurity and poverty are rampant, placing this project lower on today’s national priorities.

“It’s time to question the rationale and timing of this and similar projects. The nation is in its worst economic state in history, with poverty and hunger spreading. The basic necessities of life are beyond reach for most Nigerians.

“This is a moment when a committed government cannot embark on non-essential projects. Existing highways urgently need maintenance, and insecurity makes travel unsafe.

“Just a few days ago, many lives were lost, and over 70 vehicles were burned in a fuel tanker explosion that occurred on the East-West road in Rivers State. This tragic accident was primarily caused by the extremely poor condition of the road, which has been neglected for years and urgently needs attention. Our economy is struggling, and our health institutions are ill-equipped. Why embark on an expensive new highway project when there are close to 50 abandoned federal highway projects across the country?

“The urgent necessities are nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged. It’s not too late to discontinue the Lagos-Calabar highway project.

“We cannot afford another expensive abandoned project. Nigeria’s urgent development needs are more real and essential. We do not need landscape decoration escapades.”

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned of social media misuse and calls for an overhaul of strategic communication to counter disinformation.

Ribadu stated that the negative use of social media poses both local and global threats, presenting an immediate national security priority.

Ribadu delivered remarks in Abuja during a session with representatives from groups associated with the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee.

He instructed media managers in defense, security, and response agencies to change their approach to engaging the public and countering disinformation from the country’s enemies.

He suggested that spokespersons in the security sector should address the use of media and social media platforms, which create division between citizens and governments at various levels.

Ribadu highlighted the prevalence of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation and identified them as hazards to national security and public involvement.

The NSA stated, “Across the world, we have also assessed the adept use of social media platforms by those who seek power to shape public opinion against citizens. This threat is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority.

“The urgency to prepare and be proactive in our national security strategic communication management is now, and the spokespersons have a critical role to play.

“Upon the sweat and blood of service personnel and the men and women who protect us daily, we must build a narrative of resilience and mobilise our people.

“We must tell their stories and sing their praise as part of a broader national strategic communication programme.

“As spokespersons, you have a critical role to play in effective governance communication to project our results and reach audiences at home and abroad.

“Countering fake news will require that we are ahead of the news and proactively update the public.”

The NSA assured that going forward, government communication would be in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision and directives, with messages carefully coordinated to reflect national security objectives and values.

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Tuesday, revealed that the People Democratic Party, PDP, will lose a sitting governor in the South-South to the Labour Party.

In a statement signed by his spokesman, Oluwatosin Osho, the prophet explained that the current PDP management will continue to put the party in more crises, adding that many important people are decamping to another party as a result of the leadership crisis rocking the opposition party.

He said; ‘’A sitting governor in PDP will decamp, a prominent governor in South-South will decamp to the Labour party. The current management will put PDP in a big problem, If PDP isn’t careful, the party will become a forgotten factor in the country.’’

The prophet further noted that although the current leadership will plunge the party into more issues, a powerful person will take over the party.

“The management will compress the PDP, they will put the party into more crisis but I see a powerful person coming to take over the party,” he said.

Primate Ayodele also disclosed that a third force would emerge, adding that it would be a coalition of aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and PDP.

He warned that the coalition would be a strong movement.

‘’However, I still see a third force that will be formed by aggrieved members of APC and PDP, it will be a strong one; both parties should prepare,’’ he added.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said he refused to back his former Deputy, Philip Shaibu, to succeed him because the odds didn’t favour him.

Obaseki said the political permutations in the South-South state did not favour Shaibu to take over as the leader of the state.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Obaseki said he could not risk backing Shaibu to succeed him because he had to protect the Edo people.

The governor added that he had to “protect the Edo people. So, I could not take that risk on Edo people.”

He said: “For me, I did not understand where the ambition was coming from because it was clear that the odds were not in his favour in terms of succeeding me and I made it very clear.

“So, I could not take any risk on his ambition because I have to protect the Edo people. So, I could not take that risk on Edo people.”

Naija News reports that Shaibu and Obaseki were former allies, but fell off after the former declared his intention to become the governor of the state.

The former deputy governor was later impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly for leaking government information.

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has struck out two separate suits questioning the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as governorship candidate for the coming Edo State gubernatorial poll.

The court held that those who instituted the suits from the political camp of former Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shuaibu, have no locus standi to do so.

Delivering judgments in the suits on Tuesday, Justice Ekwo held that the plaintiffs failed to exhibit sufficient, direct, and tangible personal interest that could lead the court to nullify the primary election.

While the first suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/195/2024, was filed by Adizetu Umoru, the second suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/196/2024, was filed by Moses Alabi and Christopher Oboarer.

The plaintiffs had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, PDP, Umar Damagu (acting national chairman), Setonji Koshoedo, PDP’s National Working Committee, NWC, and its National Executive Committee, NEC, as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

The three plaintiffs, in their separate motions filed on February 19, had sought an interim order of the court restraining the defendants from using the list of ward congresses held on February 4 to conduct the PDP’s primary in Edo State, slated for February 22 or any other date pending the hearing and determination of the main suit.

Justice Ekwo however held that the plaintiffs did not establish how their individual interests were affected or jeopardized by the primary election.

Specifically, the Judge said that the plaintiffs did not establish whether they were eligible to participate in the election but prevented or whether wrongdoings were displayed during the election.

Bishop David Oyedepo, the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel International, has issued a stern warning against internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo.”

During a Sunday service in Canaanland, Ota, Bishop Oyedepo advised the youth to steer clear of fraudulent activities and live within the bounds of the law.

Naija News reports that Bishop Oyedepo, in his message to the congregation, warned against deceit and corruption, specifically targeting those involved in internet scams.

“Nobody playing games has a future in the kingdom. Hear this and hear it forever. If that is your trade, stop it,” he declared, explicitly condemning the activities of those who engage in acquiring people’s ATM card details through deceitful means.

The Bishop emphasized the inevitable bitter end for those involved in such nefarious activities.

“You are on a very fast lane that always ends in bitterness and destruction,” he warned.

Bishop Oyedepo reminded his listeners about the spiritual laws of sowing and reaping, and the principles of seedtime and harvest.

He encouraged engagement with these laws cheerfully, willingly, and tirelessly, suggesting that lawful endeavors would eventually lead to prosperity.

“Engage with that law and watch how you begin to lay up gold with time,” he advised.

Recall that in 2022, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries labeled internet fraudsters thieves and proclaimed that they would ‘know no peace’ as long as they continued to steal from others.

Bishop Oyedepo’s condemnation of internet fraud comes at a time when Nigeria grapples with a high rate of cybercrimes, impacting the image of the country internationally.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC Ltd, has assured Nigerians that the ongoing fuel scarcity and queues will be cleared out Wednesday, May 1.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the Chief Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said the company currently has an availability of product exceeding 1.5 billion litres, which can last for at least 30 days.

“Unfortunately, we experienced a three-day disruption in distribution due to logistical issues, which has since been resolved.

“However, as you know, overcoming such disruptions typically requires double the amount of time to return to normal operations,” he said.

He said: “Some folks are taking advantage of this situation to maximize profits.

“Thankfully, product scarcity has been minimal lately, but these folks might be exploiting the situation for unwarranted gain

“The lines will be cleared out between today and tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, lPMAN, Hammed Fashola, expressed optimism that the queues in Lagos and Ogun would ease off this week, relying on the words of the NNPCL.

Fashola, however, stated that the queues in Abuja might tarry a bit due to the distance to Lagos.

“The information available to us from the NNPCL was that there was a logistics problem, and when that happens, it will disrupt the supply chain.

“That might be a delay in the movement of ships from the mother vessel to the daughter vessel before it gets to the depot tanks.

“Before we can correct that, surely it will take some days. I think by Tuesday or Wednesday, there will be more products available for lifti¹ng by marketers.

“It might take time before it can ease off in Abuja, considering the distance to Lagos and the bad roads; Lagos might be calm this new week,” Fashola assured.

The talented Nigerian international goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has made an indelible mark in the annals of history by becoming the first African and Nigerian player to be honoured as the top goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema (women’s league).

Naija News reports that throughout this season, the 23-year-old Super Falcons goalkeeper has showcased her exceptional skills, particularly in saving penalties, solidifying her position as one of the finest goalkeepers on the global stage.

Nnadozie triumphed over fierce competition from Christiane Endler of Olympic Lyon and Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris SG, emerging as the deserving recipient of this prestigious individual recognition.

“It’s very pleasing because she deserves it and she achieved an exceptional Champions League and not only on penalties.

“She is adorable. It is deserved. We know that she will be courted this summer, but we will try to keep her,” said Pierre Ferracci, the president of Nnadozie’s club, Paris FC.

Naija News reports that Nnadozie has been unrivalled in saving penalties this season, leading Europe with an impressive seven saves.

Recall that Nnadozie was also awarded CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023.

Paris FC is currently in third place in the league standings with 42 points, trailing Paris Saint-Germain by eight points and Lyon by 11 points.

After winning the French D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Year award, Nnadozie expressed her gratitude on social media platform X, stating that she was thrilled to have received this honour.

“A big thanks to everyone who voted for me, and also a special appreciation to my coaches and teammates for all the support and encouragement, to my amazing family, and to Naija fans Una too much. GOD DID,” she added.

Former African Footballer of The Year, Victor Ikpeba, believes the appointment of Finidi George as Super Eagles coach will be a blessing to home-based players.

After waiting almost two months, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Finidi George as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

Before his appointment, Finidi served as the Super Eagles’ assistant coach for 20 months and was the head coach of Enyimba of Aba.

Ikpeba, a member of the Nigerian Football Federation Technical Committee that endorsed Finidi for the Super Eagles coaching job, said the former Nigeria international, who won the NPFL with Enyimba last season, will provide opportunities for homegrown players.

“Being actively involved in Nigerian football, Finidi understands the local talent pool,” Ikpeba said on Monday Night Football aired on SuperSport.

“As the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, he’s in touch with the domestic scene and will provide opportunities for homegrown talents, just as he once emerged as a star player himself.”

Reports claimed that Finidi George signed a one-year contract with the NFF with a one-year extension option. His first assignment is to lead the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The journey to that goal will commence on June 3 when the Super Eagles take on South Africa in their third game of the qualification series. After the game in Uyo, the Eagles will fly to Abidjan in Ivory Coast to take on Benin Republic on June 10.

Nigeria is currently third in Group C, a point behind second-placed South Africa, and two points below first-placed Rwanda. Hence, the Eagles are expected to win their games this June to increase their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“In the upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin in June, Nigeria faces crucial fixtures that could define our World Cup aspirations,” Ikpeba said.

“We find ourselves in a challenging position having drawn our initial qualifiers, so securing victories in the upcoming games is imperative. With the talents at our disposal, if Finidi can extract the best from the players, qualification is within our reach.”

Everton have already established contact with Wilfred Ndidi over a summer move.

Ndidi has less than two months on his contract with Leicester City and is not expected to sign an extension.

A number of clubs have already expressed interest in signing the defensive midfielder. 

Anticipating they could face stiff competition for the Nigeria international, Everton have decided to send their proposal to the player early.

Ndidi, according to reports, is yet to decide his destination.

The 27-year-old played a crucial role in Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League.

The Foxes won the Sky Bet Championship title after a 3-0 victory over Preston North End on Monday.