Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives from the All Progressives Congress has said former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai is not a match for President Bola Tinubu.
This followed speculations that El-Rufai is planning to form an alliance with the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.
There were even some reports claiming that Obi and El-Rufai have formed an alliance to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Reacting, Ogah, the lawmaker representing the lkwo/Ezza South federal constituency of Ebonyi State and the chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, argued that Tinubu is no match among opposition politicians who are preparing to contest in the next presidential poll in 2027.
Speaking to newsmen, Ogah maintained that he has not seen any politician in the country that can contest against Tinubu because of his performance and track record.
He insisted that Tinubu is aware of the problems plaguing the country and is already making efforts to fix them.
He said, “President Tinubu is doing perfectly well; he is doing very well. You may hate Tinubu but he is doing well in his administration, tackling the challenges in the country.
“The President has made us legislators sit up and every legislator is busy in his/her constituency attending to the people’s needs because 2023 has shown that if you are not on ground, the people will vote you out.
“The rural people that were regarded as illiterates are now more learned than us and they now know how to vote and who to vote for in an election. If you are not representing well, the people will vote you out.
“So, the President is doing very well and that was why most of us were singing his praises to come into power because he knows the problems of the country and how to solve them, and he is solving them.
“Who is contesting against the President in 2027? Who will run against him? I have even endorsed the President for 2027 and I have not seen anybody that will match him. I have not seen anybody that will match Tinubu in 2027; forget the noise on social media some people are making. Is it El-Rufai who could not win Kaduna, his state, that will match him? He is not an issue if he is running.”
The Association of Bureaux de Change Operators of Nigeria has said that the recovery of the naira has led to a relative decrease in the prices of goods and services in the country.
The president of the association, Aminu Gwadebe, said this in a statement issued on Saturday.
He hailed the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria to allow Bureaux de Change to operate in the foreign currency market, adding that it was a major factor in the recovery of the naira.
The CBN banned the operations of BDCs in July 2001 as part of measures to stabilise the local currency.
ABCON had been championing the campaign for BDCs to be allowed to operate formally in the currency market.
The apex bank in February reinstated BDCs in the official forex market.
In the statement, the ABCON president said aside from monetary policy tightening that led to interest rate hikes and more investment in government instruments and clearance of forex backlog forward commitments, the recall of the BDCs had significantly boosted dollar liquidity at the retail end of the forex market.
Gwadabe noted, “The current development in the foreign exchange market has started reining in inflation as the prices of most necessities are becoming relatively lower in the market. On a most serious note, the positive impacts also include heightened confidence of the public in the local currency as it eliminates currency substitution behaviour, which has hitherto been adding pressure on our local currency.
“The reconsideration of the BDCs into the mainstream foreign exchange market has not only demystified illegal economic behaviours such as hoarding, rent-seeking, round-tripping, and FX holding positions but also led to the emergence of exchange rate convergence.”
He added that with the recovery of the naira, the price of international school fees had dropped by 15 per cent; the cost of medical tourism had been reduced by 20 per cent and prices of air fares for local and international trips had dipped by 25 per cent.
Gwadabe remarked that the success story was unending as the naira traded at 1,255/$ on Saturday, lower than the 1,269.77/$ BDCs were advised to sell.
Describing the ongoing market development as revolutionary, Gwadabe declared that a stable naira would attract more foreign portfolio inflows to the economy.
He averred that the gains of the CBN under the governor, Dr Olayemi Cardoso, in recognising the power of BDCs in securing stable exchange rates cannot be over-emphasised.
He also maintained that previous practices where Nigerians based in Dubai brought dollars home for sale at high rates had ceased, after the rapid recovery of the naira against the American greenback.
Going forward, he stated that prospects for forex earnings were promising, with foreign portfolio investments on the rise and over $1.5bn inflows a few days after the Monetary Policy Committee raised the interest rate by two per cent.
He declared: “It is our view that the collaboration between the BDCs, CBN, National Security Adviser, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as well as support from the Presidency, helped in creating the opportunity for building the foundation of this achievement. Overall, the combination of these actions has induced an atmosphere of public calmness, confidence, hope and liquidity in the markets.
“We call, therefore, on the CBN to continue to calibrate the existing relationship between the BDCs and the apex bank to sustain the success story.”
The Federal Government, on Monday, announced that the new price of natural gas for power generation companies is now $2.42 per metric million British thermal unit, higher than the previous rate of $2.18mmbtu.
Nigeria generates over 70 per cent of its electricity from thermal power plants that are fired by gas. Therefore, the rise in the cost of the commodity may lead to a hike in the tariff payable by power consumers once the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission carries out another tariff review.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, an agency of the Federal Government, unveiled the new domestic base price and wholesale prices of natural gas for 2024 in an announcement on Monday.
The NMDPRA also pegged the cost of commercial gas at $2.92mmbtu, up from the previous cost of $2.5mmbtu. The announcement was signed by the Chief Executive, NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed.
Recall that the Multi-Year Tariff Order released by NERC in January 2024 for the electricity distribution companies was calculated based on the previous price of natural gas.
Therefore, going by the latest cost of the commodity, there is a high tendency for an upward review of power tariffs, as gas is a major component used in power production.
Gas producers including international and domestic oil and gas companies, have repeatedly called for the upward review in the price of the product, stressing that this would be an incentive to ramp up production.
In the announcement on Monday, Ahmed said the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 assented to by the President on August 16, 2021, and gazetted in August 2021, provided a clear regulatory framework for the determination of a market-based pricing regime for the domestic gas market.
The NMDPRA boss further stated that the latest action was taken in line with section 167, the third and fourth schedule of the PIA 2021, which mandated the regulator to determine the Domestic Base Price and the marketable wholesale price of natural gas supplied to the strategic sectors.
He said, “The DBP at the marketable gas delivery point under Sector 167(1) and other provisions of the PIA shall be determined based on regulations which incorporate among such other matters, the following principles.
“(a) The price must be of a level to bring forward sufficient natural gas supplies for the domestic market on a voluntary basis by the upstream producers.
“(b) The price shall not be higher than the average of similar natural gas prices in major emerging countries that are significant producers of natural gas.
“(c) Lowest cost of gas supply based on three-tier cost of supply framework. (d) Market-related prices tied to international benchmarks.”
The NMDPRA, therefore, emphasised that it had set the “2024 Domestic Base Price at $2.42/MMBTU and wholesale prices for natural gas in strategic sectors, following consultations with stakeholders and in compliance with the PIA and Gas Pricing Regulations.”
A 32-year-old suspected kidnapper, Roland Raymond has been arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command for the offense of criminal intimidation associated with kidnapping.
The suspect, who is a resident of Detti village, Ganye LGA, was arrested following a report by Alhaji Yahya Congo and Abraham Paul, who stated that the suspect called them via phone and demanded the sum of 600,000 Naira or risk being kidnapped.
Upon receipt of the complaints, the police in Ganye Division, in collaboration with hunters, swiftly mobilized and arrested the suspect at the point of collecting the demanded money.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson of the command, The suspect will be Charged to Court after investigation.
Controversial Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing has announced the birth of her child with boyfriend, Xxssive.
She claimed to have given birth to the baby two months ago.
She also shared a photo of her “son” expressing her love for him as he turns two months old today.
She acknowledged that her fans are shocked and promised she will be coming back to share her full testimony with everyone.
Her words: “My little miracle is Two months old today Daddy @xxssive and I love you dearly. Two months ago @xxssive and I welcomed a bouncing baby boy…I know you are all shocked..But the lord has done it finally. Coming back to share my testimony and I will be posting the full testimony video on my YouTube channel. kindly click the link in my bio to subscribe and turn on post notifications”
However, many people are suggesting it could be another April fool prank.
SEE POSTS:
With the Premier League title race reaching its climax, attention turns to the crucial remaining fixtures that will determine the destiny of the 2023–24 season.
As 20 teams gear up for the final sprint, analysis reveals intriguing insights into who holds the advantage and who faces an uphill battle in the pursuit of glory.
The race among the current top four contenders showcases a tight battle, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.
With just eight points separating table leader Liverpool, boasting 67 points, from Aston Villa, holding firm with 56 points, every match becomes pivotal in determining the ultimate outcome of the season.
In a season characterised by its unpredictability, the presence of game-in-hand fixtures has emerged as a crucial factor in the English Premier League standings.
Premier League title race outstanding games
Notably, while most teams are contending with one extra match to be played, Chelsea stands alone with the rare advantage of having two.
Among the clubs yet to fully capitalise on this opportunity are Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle, Brighton, Wolves, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Sheffield, all awaiting their respective additional matches to potentially shift the balance of power.
Currently, only Aston Villa, West Ham, Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Luton Town, and Burnley have completed 30 games, providing them with a clearer picture of their standing as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
As the league approaches its climax, the significance of these remaining fixtures cannot be overstated, with every point potentially altering the trajectory of teams’ aspirations and determining their fate in the race for glory.
Last 10 Premier League winners
In the last ten seasons, Manchester City has won the Premier League title six times, Chelsea twice, and Liverpool and Leicester City have won it once each.
On Sunday, Liverpool beat Brighton to go top of the EPL table.
Manchester City failed to break down Arsenal as a highly-anticipated clash at the top of the Premier League failed to live up to the hype in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad on Sunday.
Liverpool seizes a crucial advantage with the most favourable remaining fixtures among title contenders.
Despite facing relatively tough schedules, all three contenders brace themselves for a nail-biting conclusion, hinting at twists and turns that could shape the final outcome of the season.
The run-in officially starts here, with the remaining fixtures set to decide who wins the 2023/24 Premier League title, who qualifies for Europe, and who avoids relegation.
So, with just nine matchweeks left, which teams have the “best” and “worst” fixtures?
PUNCH Online delves into the average points total of the remaining opponents for every team, unveiling insights into which clubs are poised for a late-season surge towards glory and which ones confront a formidable challenge to conclude the campaign on a high note.
According to data obtained from the Premier League website, the average points of the remaining opponents for Premier League teams vary significantly, offering insights into the challenges they may face in the run-in.
At the lower end of the spectrum, Newcastle has the most favourable average point of 33.5, followed closely by Everton at 34.2 and Brentford and Nottingham Forest sharing 35.4.
As the scale progresses, Burnley stands at 35.8, Fulham at 35.9, and Sheffield United at 37.0.
Manchester United also shares this average, indicating a moderate challenge ahead.
Moving up, Chelsea sits at 38.0, followed by Spurs at 38.8 and Liverpool at 38.9, showcasing a tougher road for these title contenders.
Further up, Bournemouth faces an average of 39.1 points, while Manchester City have 41.0 and Wolves have 41.5.
Arsenal, in pursuit of title aspirations, contends with an average of 42.3 points among its opponents.
West Ham and Luton share an average of 43.2, while Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Brighton face the toughest challenges with averages of 44.8, 44.9, and 45.1 points, respectively.
Title race fixtures club average
By implication, Newcastle United enjoys the easiest remaining schedule with an average of 33.5 points among their upcoming opponents, akin to facing a 14th-placed team in each match.
Conversely, Brighton & Hove Albion faces the toughest fixtures, with their opponents averaging 45.1 points, resembling matches against seventh-placed sides.
In the title race and before Sunday’s game, Liverpool enjoys the most favourable fixtures among the top three contenders, with their opponents averaging 38.9 points.
On the other hand, Arsenal face the toughest challenge, with their opponents averaging 42.3 points, slightly more daunting than those of third-placed Manchester City (41.0).
Title race: Remaining fixtures
| Matchweek | Arsenal | Liverpool | Man City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Man City (A) (DRAW) | Brighton (H) (WIN) | Arsenal (H) (DRAW) |
| 31 | Luton (H) | Sheff Utd (H) | Aston Villa (H) |
| 32 | Brighton (A) | Man Utd (A) | Crystal Palace (A) |
| 33 | Aston Villa (H) | Crystal Palace (H) | Luton (H) |
| 34 | Wolves (A), Chelsea (H) | Fulham (A), Everton (A) | Brighton (A) |
| 35 | Spurs (A) | West Ham (A) | Nott’m Forest (A) |
| 36 | Bournemouth (H) | Spurs (H) | Wolves (H) |
| 37 | Man Utd (A) | Aston Villa (A) | Fulham (A) |
| 38 | Everton (H) | Wolves (H) | West Ham (H) |
| TBC | – | – | Spurs (A) |
| Ave. points | 42.3 | 38.9 | 41.0 |
But interestingly, all three title contenders have tricky schedules.
While Liverpool have the “easiest,” theirs only ranks 11th-best among the 20 Premier League teams, while Manchester City’s ranks 13th and Arsenal’s 15th.
Premier League title race
PUNCH Online reports that the 2023–24 Premier League marks the 32nd instalment of the prestigious league and the 125th season of top-flight English football.
Fixture details were unveiled on June 15, 2023.
The season’s run commenced on August 11, 2023, and the season is slated to culminate on May 19, 2024.
Whether the EPL winner will emerge before the season concludes remains to be seen in the coming weeks. If not, the ultimate decision will be made on May 19.
In recent times, Liverpool lost the 2014 league title to City in the last game of the season.
On Wednesday night, Arsenal host Luton at the Emirates Stadium and Manchester City host Aston Villa.
Liverpool, on the other hand, host Sheffield United on Thursday night.
[Punch]
Leicester reignited their bid for automatic promotion to the Premier League with a 3-1 win at home to Norwich on Monday.
Victory at the King Power Stadium meant the Foxes returned to the top of English football’s second-tier Championship, if merely for a few hours before promotion rivals Ipswich and Leeds are in action later in the day.
Goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Stephy Mavididi and Jamie Vardy enabled Leicester to complete a comeback after Gabriel Sara’s fourth goal in as many games gave Norwich the lead.
Leicester have topped the table for much of the season, but Monday’s success was just their third win in eight Championship games.
On Friday, Leicester City’s hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League suffered a fresh setback with a 1-0 loss away to Bristol City.
Only the top two clubs at the end of the regular season are guaranteed automatic promotion to the Premier League, with Leicester now a point ahead of second-placed Ipswich and two clear of Leeds, currently in third place.
“This was important, because we are in the final part of the season,” said Leicester manager Enzo Maresca.
“But then we started by conceding a goal, and 1-0 down from a corner, we needed to be mentally strong.
“But after that, the game was completely in our control, we dominated.”
He added: Probably in the last six games, we won one game and it was the one we didn’t deserve – Sunderland. We lost four games, and not one of them we deserved to lose.
“At the end, we are human beings – we have emotions so when we scored the last one with Jamie, the game was finished, so we were all happy and we enjoyed the moment.”
Defeat left Norwich in sixth position – still in contention to reach the post-season play-offs that will decide which club gets the third and final promotion spot.
It looked as if it might be a good day for the Canaries when Sara put them ahead from a corner in the 20th minute.
But Dewsbury-Hall’s first goal since January drew Leicester level 13 minutes later and from then on the Foxes started to get a grip on the game.
Mavididi made it 2-1 just after the hour mark with a fine curling shot into the far corner before former England striker Vardy, one of the stars of Leicester’s shock Premier League title triumph eight years ago, wrapped up the points in stoppage time with a powerful strike after Harry Winks’ initial effort was blocked.
AFP
Spokesperson for the Obi-Datti campaign organization, Yinusa Tanko has made a revelation concerning the crisis rocking the Labour Party.
He stated that the Party chairman, Julius Abure refused to obey advice given by Obi on how to resolve the party crisis.
Tanko’s comments come in the wake of the party’s national convention, which has sparked controversy within its ranks.
Peter Obi, who served as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, had apparently offered counsel aimed at forestalling the kind of discord now being witnessed.
Tanko critiqued the party’s recent national convention, highlighting it as a missed opportunity for broader participation.
He argued that the event, which saw Julius Abure reelected as the national chairman, lacked inclusivity and did not fully represent the party’s diverse membership.
The critique sheds light on the internal dynamics and challenges facing the Labour Party as it navigates post-election realities and internal governance issues.
He said in an interview on Channels TV, “His Excellency, Peter Obi, has made a concerted effort in trying to intervene at any point we have this particular issue and trying to improve.
“When the issue of the national convention came up, he (Obi) suggested to the national chairman that because we are bigger now, we need to have a wider consultation: meet with responsible and interested people such as the TUC and NLC, stakeholders, the Obidient group – young generation people who are interested in seeing Nigeria work. Meet with leaders who have different ideas that can midwife us into a greater height.
“All of these were the suggestions that he (Obi) made, and not only did he make those suggestions, he practicalised them because he met with the members of the National Assembly.
“He (Obi) met with the leadership of the party recently in Asaba trying to give them ideas on how he thinks certain things could be done and you could improve our situation but of course, you know how politics is, sometimes, people may be trying to encourage people, but they do something different.
“You can only take a horse to the river, but you cannot force it to drink water, so that’s exactly what Peter Obi has done, he has done so greatly to see if we can find a solution to some of the problems we find ourselves.”
He said while Abure has the right to contest the national chairmanship position again, it was only proper that the right things are done by opening the door for more people to be part of the process.
Tanko noted that Abure went outside an initial agreement to have an all-inclusive national convention which ought to start from the ward, local government and state levels before the national level.
He said that the convention held in Nnewi Anambra State that returned Abure as the party’s leader did not conform with that agreement and therefore was not acceptable to everyone within the party.
Asked if the crisis in the party could be a problem for Obi in the next election, Tanko said Obi is a brand of his own and that he and other people will always move with him wherever he goes to.
The All Progressives Congress stands to benefit if former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai defects to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This is according to the convener of the All Progressive Congress (APC), South-East Coalition, Francis Okoye.
Recall that El-Rufai made headlines last month over alleged defection moves from the APC and purported plans to contest the 2027 presidential election on the SDP platform.
In an interview with Legit, Okoye noted that the former Governor is at liberty to leave the ruling party, and it does not call for any worry or alarm.
Okoye said nobody knows if El Rufai wants to leave the APC, but if he does, it would further divide the opposition party and strengthen the ruling party.
The APC chieftain further painted a scenario where El-Rufai is the SDP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso flies the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) flag, Peter Obi maintains his Labour Presidential ticket and the same with former president Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, such a scenario would make President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC winners in the 2027 election flawlessly.
He said, “For now nobody will say that El Rufai wants to leave APC or not but if he really wants to leave he is at liberty to do so.
“Former Governor El Rufai’s visit to SDP National Secretariat and former President Yakubu Gowon calls for no alarm. We in APC have nothing to worry about, rather it will strengthen us as a party. The visit is further dividing the opposition instead of making them stronger.
“Assuming in 2027 El Rufai flies the flag of SDP, Kwankwaso flies that of NNPP, Obi LP and Atiku PDP, it will mean a clean sweep of the poll for our party the APC. So worry not my brother. We are not perturbed at all”
Economic Hardship: No Religion, Tribe or Political Party Buys Food Cheaper In Nigeria Now – Peter Obi
AFOLABIMr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP has reacted to the ongoing hardship and hunger in the country.
He reminded Nigerians that no religion, tribe, or political party buys food cheaper in any market in Nigeria.
Obi said Nigerians should join hands in moving the nation from consumption to production for the good of society.
The former Anambra State governor gave the assertion in a post on his X handle on Monday.
According to the former presidential candidate of LP, Nigeria’s many challenges as a nation could be conquered by unity of efforts, collaboration, and mutual respect.
He said: “In continuation of my Easter Sunday activities yesterday evening, after sharing the Easter joys with the inmates of Onitsha Correctional Centre, yesterday, I was at the Central Mosque, Onitsha to pray with the Muslim Community in the City who are in the last ten days of the Ramadan fasting. It was heartwarming to see how they were able to judiciously deploy the little resources I gave them last year for the renovation of their mosque.
“I took time to remind them, and indeed every Nigerian, of the need to rise above religion and tribe, but in unity and brotherly love, continue to work hard for the development of our dear nation.
“Our many challenges in our nation can be conquered by a unity of efforts, collaboration, and mutual respect. As I have always maintained, no religion, tribe, or political party buys food cheaper in any market anywhere in Nigeria.
“We must, therefore, join hands in moving our nation from consumption to production, for the good of society. I shared my little Easter gifts, and Financial support with the community and appreciated them for their kind words, encouragement, and prayers.
“Together as one, we will build the New Nigeria.”
More...
A US-based Ghanaian couple has been arrested in connection with the murder of their 5-year-old son who was badly beaten and succumbed to his injuries.
The couple, identified as Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae, were convicted on March 22, 2024 nearly three years after Owusu’s son, King, was found dead in a home in Brentwood, New York City.
District Attorney Raymond Tierney in a press release said: “This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries.”
According to witnesses, prosecutors alleged Owusu and Addae beat the child with “at least four different instruments” over a three-day period in 2021. The boy’s condition deteriorated, and he eventually lost consciousness.
Neither Owusu nor Addae called 911 or provided medical care for King, prosecutors said.
The Presidency is set to sell three jets in the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).
The proposed sale of the presidential jet is part of the cost-saving measures being adopted by the Tinubu administration.
The fleet currently has 10 aircraft, which include six jets and four helicopters, which would be reduced to seven if the planned action is successful.
The planes in the Presidential Fleet are Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X, HS 4000, two Agusta 139, and two Agusta 101.
The BBJ 737 is the Nigerian Air Force One, which is used exclusively by the President and is designed to serve as an office and a residential quarter on air to enable the president to function effectively during his trip.
The President also uses one of the helicopters for shuttles during his trips around the country.
In October 2016, a Dassault Falcon 7x executive jet and a Beechcraft Hawker 4000 business jet were put up for sale, but the proposed sale fell through.
The preferred bidders, who initially agreed to pay $24 million for the two aircraft, later reduced their offer to $11 million, which the Muhammadu Buhari government rejected.
Not less than N80 billion has been budgeted for the PAF as maintenance cost, as follows: 2016 (N3.65 billion), 2017 (N4.37 billion), 2018 (N7.26 billion), 2019 (N7.30 billion), 2020 (N6.79 billion), 2021 (N12.55 billion), 2022 (N12.48 billion), and in 2023, about N25.7 billion, made up of N13 billion in the budget and N12.7 billion in the 2023 Supplementary budget.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed what God told him about the Tinubu-led administration.
According to him, God informed him that President Bola Tinubu would rule the nation for 8 years.
Recall that Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State, was sworn in as Nigeria’s president in May 2023 and is currently serving his first year of a four-year term.
With barely a year in office, Umahi, who previously served as the governor of Ebonyi State, remains hopeful about Tinubu’s prospects for re-election when Nigerians cast their votes in 2027, which is more than three years from the present time.
During a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Umahi asserted that it was God who brought Tinubu to power, and He (God) has assured him that the incumbent administration ‘born of God’ will last eight years.
Umahi said: “You must know that the coming onboard of Mr President is divine. When God starts a thing, He completes it.
“So, I strongly believe and I am persuaded to let you know that God told me that this administration will last eight years because this administration is born of God.
“You can see the miracle that Mr President is doing through the inspiration of God Almighty who brought him to right all the wrongs,” the minister noted on the show.
“So, we are taking back this country and giving back this country to Nigerians and that’s what Mr President has come to do and we are just there to give him support.”
The minister also mentioned that the repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge is almost finished, with 99 per cent of it already completed.
He also stated that the bridge will be reopened to the public soon once the remaining work is done.
“When you talk about the total rehabilitation of the bridge, you talk about the deck.
“Mr President has released the money and I can say that 99 per cent of the project is done. But what is to be done is additional work: we are putting up solar lights; we are replacing the generator lights with solar lights
“We are putting up CCTV both on top of the bridge and under the bridge because the president told me that part of the problem we are having is people who are illegally mining the sand. And I agree with him. I have seen it. They even go as far as destroying the concrete to anchor their small boats.
“The top of the deck is completed,” Umahi added, noting that main markings are still in progress
Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Catholic Diocese has condemned the manner palliatives were distributed to Nigerians.
He was reacting to the biting hardship facing the country.
Kukah said such moves were undignifying, calling on governments to map out better plans to tackle the nation’s issues.
He made this view known while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Recall that the floating of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidy have pushed inflation levels to a new high leading to a hike in the cost of living.
As a response to the ensuing economic hardship and worsening hunger, governments across levels have rolled out palliative measures including the distribution of food items to the vulnerable as part of moves to cushion the hardship in the country.
However, Kukah said people just want to be able to get back to their lives, urging the government to end insecurity.
“We need to see a much more robust programme designed by the government to help us go away from just lining up and collecting palliative when we are not at war.
“I think it is the height of indignity to see Nigerians lining up every day under the sun and waiting to collect bags of rice which probably never come not because money has not been given but because everybody who gives out money in Nigeria from the Federal Government knows that a good part of this money is always stolen. Nigerians are not looking for handouts.”