The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has jeered the All Progressives Congress (APC) for choosing the immediate past Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as its national chairman, describing Ganduje as “ethically challenged”.
The PDP said the ruling party settled for Ganduje “in spite of the stinking corruption and bribery allegations against him in the public domain”.
A statement by the spokesman for the PDP, Debo Ologunagba said the choice “further confirms that the APC is a cesspit of corruption and a haven for thieves, bribe takers and treasury looters”.
The statement said: “By appointing Ganduje, notoriously referred to as ‘Gandola’ by Nigerians over the infamous video of him barefacedly stuffing his gown with US Dollar notes as bribe allegedly from a contractor, while serving as Governor of Kano State, further validates that the APC is a putrid party of embezzlers and charlatans.
“It also underscores APC’s impunity and insensitivity to the demands of honesty, integrity and moral rectitude required of public office holders”.
The PDP recalled a recent report of a forensic analysis by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), which confirmed the authenticity of a 2017 viral video which captured the ex-Kano Governor stuffing dollar bills under his garment.
“It speaks volume of the APC under Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Ganduje, who should ordinarily be under prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged bribery is rather crowned and rewarded with the position of the APC National Chairman.
“Such can only happen in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) like the APC which, according to the former Director General of Progressive Governors’ Forum, is replete with political bandits,” the statement added.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intensified its pressure yesterday on the Niger Republic junta to restore democracy.
The chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Governments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dispatched two delegations, one a mission to warn Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani of the consequence of failing to respect the position of ECOWAS that President Mohammed Bazoum should be reinstated.
Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Sultan of Sokoto ALhaji Sa’ad Abubakar on behalf of the sub-region met with junta leader in Niamey, after taking briefing from President Tinubu in Abuja.
The second delegation was led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe with a mission to persuade leaders of Libya and Algeria – Niger’s Northern neighbours – to lend their support to the pressure on the military usurpers.
The sub-regions Chiefs of Defence Staff, after concluding their meeting in Abuja, have returned to their respective countries to brief their Commanders in Chief on their decisions and readiness for a military offensive, if necessary.
United States (U.S.) President Joe Biden, also yesterday gave his total support to ECOWAS decision that the junta should step down.
Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale explained in a statement that the President acted in line with the resolution reached at the end of last weekend’s extraordinary summit of ECOWAS in Abuja.
Niger has been embroiled in crisis since July 26 when a military junta overthrew the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The coup drew condemnations from the international community, including ECOWAS which gave the junta till August 6 to reinstate Bazoum. The sub-regionional body went on to announce a number of sanctions against Niger with Nigeria taking the lead by cutting off power supply to the troubled nation.
Niger, with a population of over 27 million, shares border with Nigeria in the North.
Yesterday, Defence Headquarters clarified that it had yet to receive an order to deploy troops against the Niger junta headed by 62-year-old Gen Tchiani.
Already, Washington has directed its non-emergency embassy officials in Niger to exit.
Ngelale added that Tinubu while meeting with the Abubakar-led team , charged the members to engage all the Niger stakeholders robustly with a view to resolving the crisis.
“We don’t want to hold brief for anybody. Our concern is democracy and the peace of the region,” he quoted the President as saying.
Before their departure, Abubakar told reporters that ECOWAS leaders were unhappy with the developments in Niger.
He said: “We have just been giving our marching orders to go to Niger and convey the feelings of our Heads of State in the region that they are not happy with what happened.
“And they gave them an ultimatum that the coup leaders should desist from what they are doing and give back power to an elected President and again, to make sure that this message is sent loud and clear to them.
“ So far, we are going there to convey this message to them and hear their response and report back what they have said.”.
Kingibe said talking with Libya and Algeria would stimulate the solidarity required for peaceful talks.
“Of course, this kind of situation requires solidarity. It requires coordination with all parties that are relevant to the situation.
“In that regard, Libya and Algeria are also very important neighbours of Niger. So, my mission is to go there with a message from President Tinubu. To brief them on the ECOWAS position and solicit solidarity and cooperation.
”We hope to find a diplomatic solution. Nobody wants to go to war, especially with neighbours that they share a common language, culture and religion.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday in Lagos moved to resolve some of the administrative challenges encountered in the 2023 general elections.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at the post-election review of the 2023 general elections with some administrative secretaries.
Yakubu said the meeting with the administrative secretaries was to identify some of the administrative issues that affected INEC’s performance in the last general elections.
The chairman noted that the review of the administrative secretaries was important because Nigerians judged the commission based on the performance of the administrative officers in their respective states.
He said some of the administrative secretaries discharged their responsibilities effectively and the commission appreciated their dedication and commitment.
However, Yakubu, said there were still many areas that required rededication, commitment, improvement and, where necessary, sanctions to erring INEC officials.
“This meeting is to identify the areas of strength with a view to consolidating where necessary.
“Also, the meeting with the administrative officials was to identify the weakness, in other to come up with actionable recommendations for improvement in future elections.
“Therefore, based on the feedback from the public, the commission has also identified these challenges and how to resolve them for future elections.
“Among them were late arrival of election materials to some polling units, inefficient service at polling units by trained officials, management of the BVAS technology and insecurity of facilities and personnel,” he said.
Yakubu explained that to achieve prompt collection of polls nationwide at the appointed hour, the administrative officers in their respective states must get their logistics right.
He said the commission wanted to know the obstacles to the full implementation of these arrangements.
“Does INEC have the required vehicles and buses for road and maritime transportation during election?” he said.
The chairman noted that Nigerians still complained that they hardly expected prompt service at polling units by well-trained officials whether they were regular staff of the commission or ad hoc staff.
Yakubu said with regard to the management of the new technologies, the commission wanted to know the challenges the administrative secretaries encountered during the elections.
The chairman noted that in terms of security of facilities and personnel, the commission would like to know their experience on the field and how INEC could improve in this respect.
He urged the administrative secretaries across the state to frankly speak on issues that were identified.
Yakubu said it was by so doing that the challenges encountered in the field at the last general elections could only be addressed.
(NAN)
NBA President pays condolence visit to family of late Justice Nweze, signs condolence register
Admin..Visits CJN,
..Describes as unacceptable, neglect of judicial officers' welfare
The President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau extends Condolences to the Family of Late Justice Nweze and Signs Condolence Register
"..Mr. Maikyau expressed the sadness of the Bar over the death of Hon. Justice Nweze, who he described as a cerebral jurist
During his visit to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the NBA President decried the state of welfare of Nigerian judicial officers.
President Tinubu’s tenure began with much anticipation as he unveiled his list of ministerial nominees to form his cabinet. Among the nominees, several states stood out with a higher representation, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to ensuring regional diversity and inclusivity. In this article, we will explore the states that received the most ministerial nominations and highlight the potential impact of their representatives in shaping Nigeria’s future under President Tinubu’s leadership.
- Ogun State – 3 Nominees
Ogun State, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, secured the highest number of ministerial nominations, boasting three esteemed individuals. Ishak Salak, Bosun Tijjani, and Olawale Edun bring a wealth of experience in various fields to the cabinet. Their collective expertise in public administration, business, finance, and governance positions Ogun State as a vital player in driving the nation’s economic growth and development.
- Kano State – 2 Nominees
Kano State, known for its significant population and economic influence, obtained two ministerial nominations: Maryam Shetti and Abdullahi T Gwarzo. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, these representatives will champion Kano State’s interests while contributing to the formulation of national policies for social advancement and prosperity.
- Katsina State – 2 Nominees
Hailing from the same state as President Tinubu, Katsina State also earned two ministerial nominations: Ahmad Dangiwa and Hanatu Musawa. As key stakeholders from President Tinubu’s home state, they are entrusted with advocating for equitable development and addressing the unique challenges faced by Katsina.
- Kebbi State – 2 Nominees
Kebbi State received two ministerial nominations in Atiku Abubakar Bagudu and Yusuf Tanko Sununu. Their presence in the cabinet holds the promise of forging stronger collaborations with the federal government to address critical issues concerning agriculture, rural development, and other areas relevant to Kebbi’s growth.
- Taraba State – 2 Nominees
Taraba State’s representation in President Tinubu’s cabinet comes in the form of two nominees: Uba Maigari Ahmadu and Sani A Danladi. These individuals are entrusted with advocating for the state’s unique needs and collaborating on initiatives to foster sustainable development and regional harmony.
- Bauchi State – 2 Nominees
Yusuf M Tuggar and Ali Pate, the ministerial nominees from Bauchi State, are expected to play crucial roles in addressing the state’s infrastructural needs and enhancing its socio-economic prospects. Their experiences in public service and healthcare will be instrumental in driving positive change.
- Lagos State – 2 Nominees
As Nigeria’s economic hub and the most populous state, Lagos secured two ministerial nominations: Tunji Alausa and Lola Ade John. Their appointment reflects the state’s prominent position in the nation’s economic landscape, and they are set to contribute to policies that advance Lagos and the nation’s interests.
- Cross River State – 2 Nominees
Betta Edu and John Enoh represent Cross River State in President Tinubu’s cabinet. As nominees from this coastal state, they will focus on advocating for environmental preservation, tourism, and economic diversification to bolster the state’s potential and contribute to national development.
President Tinubu’s selection of ministerial nominees exemplifies his commitment to ensuring representation from diverse states across Nigeria. The states with the most nominated candidates hold significant responsibilities in addressing regional concerns while contributing to national progress and unity. As they assume their roles, the nominees from these states will shape Nigeria’s trajectory, working collaboratively to foster an inclusive and prosperous future for all citizens under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership.
[allmedia24]
Niger: Joint communique issued by the ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the ministry for the Armed Forces
AdminIn the context of violence against the French Embassy and the closure of Niger’s airspace, at President Macron’s request the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the Armed Forces launched an operation to evacuate French and foreign nationals who wished to leave the country.
On Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 August, our embassy in Niamey, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre and the Ministry for the Armed Forces’ Planning and Conduct of Operations Centre evacuated a total of 1,079 people, including 577 French nationals. This evacuation operation was led by French military aircraft.
France also evacuated nationals from 50 other countries, particularly in Europe (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Romania, Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, Georgia and the United Kingdom), Africa (Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Mauritania, Togo and Tunisia), America (the United States, Canada, Brazil, Colombia and the Bahamas), Asia (India, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea), Oceania (Australia) and the Middle East (Lebanon and Turkey).
The Ministry of the Interior and Overseas France also contributed to this operation, through the work of emergency services doctors, who provided medical assistance on one flight, and the Ministry of Health, which was involved in dealing with medical cases on arrival.
In a spirit of European solidarity and with the aim of offering European countries the possibility of enabling those of their nationals who so wished to benefit from the flights it put on, France took the initiative of activating the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism (EU CPM). From the outset it included European nationals in the planning of evacuation operations.
To coordinate the operation, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre, which set up a crisis unit on Sunday 30 July, has been in permanent contact with our nationals on the ground and with all our partners. Our armed forces’ military assets, mobilized to ensure the safety of nationals, also helped make these evacuations a success.
[diplomatie.gouv.fr]
Regional defence chiefs in West Africa will conclude talks on Niger on Thursday, a week after the military coup that has forced neighbouring powers to consider military intervention in response.
Ecowas, the Economic Community of West African States, has imposed sanctions, issued threats of military force, and made diplomatic overtures in its push to restore the presidency of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was confined to his presidential residence last Wednesday.
It is not clear whether the defence chiefs' meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, will provide further details about the bloc's threat to authorise the use of force if coup leaders do not reinstate Mr Bazoum by Sunday.
Niger has been isolated since last week's ousting of Mr Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021. He was confined to his presidential residence two days before Presidential Guard Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself as leader.
The coup has threatened international counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region and also threatens to plunge one of the world's poorest countries deeper into despair.
Niger, which has a population of 26.2 million, received $1.8 billion in aid in 2021, according to the latest figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
That is more than any other West African country, except its large neighbour Nigeria, which received $3.5 billion for a population nearly 10 times bigger.
Foreign money accounts for a quarter of Niger's public spending, and international aid represents 9 per cent of its gross domestic product, according to economist Dominique Fruchter, AFP reported.
The EU, France and Germany have already suspended aid to Niger, where half the population live below the poverty line, while the World Bank has suspended aid to the public sector until further notice.
"To give up on this support, is to commit hara-kiri," Niger's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou told broadcaster France24 on Sunday, referring to the Japanese term for ritual suicide.
Junta criticises 'inhumane' sanctions
In a televised address on Wednesday,Gen Tchiani said the junta "rejects altogether" sanctions introduced by Ecowas after an emergency meeting at the weekend.
The self-declared new leader of Niger has rejected sanctions imposed by Ecowas as inhumane, vowing to not bow to international pressure as regional leaders say they must prepare for the possibility of sending troops to the country.
The junta "refuses to give in to any threats, wherever they come from. We refuse any interference in the internal affairs of Niger", Gen Tchiani said on the eve of the country's independence day.
He said the sanctions were "cynical and iniquitous" and designed to humiliate the defence and security forces and Niger, and make the country ungovernable.
Ecowas has mentioned military intervention as a "last resort" if Mr Bazoum is not restored to power.
"The military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality," Abdel Fatau Musah, Ecowas commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said on Wednesday.
[thenationalnews]
Former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and spokesperson for the ninth Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru, were on Thursday officially ratified to replace the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore.
The decision was taken barely an hour after President Bola Tinubu arrived at the Transcorp Hilton, venue of the NEC meeting, on Thursday.
The President arrived at the Congress Hall of the hotel surrounded by stern-looking security operatives suspected to be officers of the Department of State Services at about 11.35am.
Following the announcement of their appointments, supporters of Ganduje and Basiru broke into jubilation that almost disrupt the programme temporarily.
Among the dignitaries that arrived early for the NEC meeting were Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; former governor of Osun State and pioneer chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari; former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and Spokesperson for the ninth Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress, Ahmed El-Marzuq, has resigned from his position in the ruling party’s National Working Committee.
El-Marzuq, believed to an ally of former National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, reportedly threw in the towel on Wednesday.
Sources at the national headquarters of the party in Abuja confirmed that the legal icon has been under some form of pressure following the exit of Adamu.
The erstwhile national legal adviser was in the news three months ago when he recommended the expulsion of former National Vice Chairman for Northwest, Mallam Salihu Lukman, over his decision to take the party and his leadership to court.
El-Marzuq’s suggestion was contained in a leaked ‘legal opinion’ written to Adamu dated 28th April, 2023.
His resignation was the fourth after the exit of Adamu, Lukman and the immediate past National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Efforts to get the reaction of the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful.
Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, however confirmed the report.
Following a series of calls to him and a number of other NWC members to authenticate the report, Duru replied via text message to confirm El-Marzuq’s departure.
“Yes,” he said but declined to comment further.
A chieftain of the Labour Party, LP, Kenneth Okonkwo, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for nominating 47 persons for ministerial appointments.
Okonkwo wondered why the administration considered setting up what he described as ‘the most bloated bureaucracy in the world’ when according to him, the nation is heading towards being the poorest country in the world.
The Nollywood veteran actor’s assertion was contained in a post via his Twitter handle on Thursday.
He claimed that the constitution allows only 37 ministers and not 47.
“What a regime? We are heading towards being the poorest country in the world, and this regime is considering setting up the most bloated bureaucracy in the world, which will lead to the highest cost of governance in the world. 47 Ministers when the government is only compelled to have 37.
“The money to be used to pay them will eventually be extorted from Nigerians through inordinate taxing and over-pricing of essential commodities and borrowing from outside sources because APC regimes produce nothing. I pity Nigerians under this clueless regime,” he tweeted.
More...
Lateef Fagbemi, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says the way corruption and grafts are being fought in Nigeria leaves so much to be desired.
He noted that the two major anti-graft agencies in Nigeria should be merged.
Speaking on Wednesday during his screening by the senate as a ministerial nominee, Fagbemi said investigation and prosecution of corruption cases should be handled by more than one agency.
The legal luminary, while suggesting ways to effectively fight corruption in the country, said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Related Commission (ICPC) should be “brought together” to perform separate functions of investigation and prosecution.
However, the senior lawyer did not state which of the agencies should be saddled with the responsibility of conducting the investigation or prosecution.
Both EFCC and ICPC are empowered by their enabling acts to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption.
According to the ICPC act, the commission is to investigate and prosecute corruption in the public sector, especially bribery, malfeasance gratification, graft, and abuse or misuse of office.
The EFCC, on the other hand, is to probe and prosecute people who engage in money laundering and other financial crimes.
“Truth be told, we fight corruption but at the same time, the way it is being fought in Nigeria leaves much to be desired,” Fagbemi said.
“If I have my way, I’ll advise the president to unbundle, first of all, bring ICPC and EFCC together, unbundle them.
“Investigation should not be handled by the same body that must be the supervisory authority within the same system.
“Prosecution is another body. It doesn’t augur well to ask the same authority to (carry out) investigation and prosecution. That is why we have problems.”
Fagbemi also emphasised that conducting investigations requires “patience” to ensure a thorough and proper examination.
He said: “We are not also patient enough. Investigation takes time, especially in serious corruption cases. Are we prepared to wait?
“My take is that, a situation such as the one that happened when Hushpuppy was arrested. They have been trailing him for years but he didn’t know, and nobody talked to him. But the day they said the time was up, he also knew that the time was up.
“Investigation should be thorough. It shouldn’t be that when a sitting governor leaves office then say EFCC is inviting you. That is not the way to prosecute criminal and corruption matters.
“We have to put in place very good laws to do this.”
The SAN asked the parliament to make laws that will be good for society without the lawmakers “anticipating” how it will affect me.
Fagbemi, who is a nominee from Kwara, was accompanied to the red chamber by AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, governor of the state, and several SANs, including Wole Olanipekun, Yusuf Ali and Adeniyi Akintola.
Kogi Governorship Election: APC Is History, My Name Is Daniel, I Befriend And Subdue Lions - Dino Melaye
AdminDino Melaye, the Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 11, 2023 Kogi Governorship election has issued a warning to the All Progressives Congress.
According to Dino, he will win the Governorship election in the state come November, 11.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Campaign Council for Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states as well as the presentation of certificates of return to the party’s three governorship candidates in Abuja on Wednesday, Melaye said he has expertise in taming lions.
Melaye said the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), will fail on November 11.
“I just want to announce that as far as this election is concerned in Kogi State, APC is history. APC has gone to oblivion.
“PDP is the party to beat in Kogi State and I assure the people of Kogi State, that my name is Daniel and Daniel is used to taming lions. I befriend lions, I kiss lions and subdue lions,” Melaye said.
Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagun, in his remarks said the chances of the party emerging victorious were brighter than ever.
“We will have Bayelsa, we will have Imo and we will have Kogi. These are PDP states. Somehow, they slipped away but Bayelsa has always had a PDP governor. I want to challenge everyone in this country to look at the states governed by PDP governors viz-a-viz the other parties. We have always excelled,” he said.
Speaking in solidarity with the contestants, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, said, “The chances of the PDP in the three states are very great because we are bringing light all the way and you know when the light comes, darkness vanishes.”
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party have expressed optimism that the party will emerge victorious in the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States.
The party leaders spoke at the inauguration of the National Campaign Council for the three states as well as the presentation of certificates of return to the party’s three governorship candidates, in Abuja, on Wednesday.
Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagun, in his remarks described the inauguration as historic noting that the chances of the party emerging victorious were brighter than ever.
He said, “We will have Bayelsa, we will have Imo and we will have Kogi. These are PDP states. Somehow, they slipped away but Bayelsa has always had a PDP governor. I want to challenge everyone in this country to look at the states governed by PDP governors viz-a-viz the other parties. We have always excelled.
“Today marks another historic day for the PDP in its political development. As we inaugurate the National Campaign Council for Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, I want to say a few things to members of these campaign councils.
“You’ve been carefully selected to go into these states and saddled with the campaigns. We don’t expect less from you because before you were selected, you were found very capable and we expect nothing other than victory.
“You are going in at a time whereby the country as it is, everybody is feeling the burden of the mistakes that have happened in this country.
“What is expected of you is go there and remind them that this is not what we bargained for and that there is a time God in his infinite mercy, always give us to change the course of history, and this is the time.
“To you that are going to Kogi and Imo states, remind them that it has not been like that before they made a mistake to where they are today. There are times and opportunities to change and there’s no better time than now.”
Damagun also charged members of the committee to go out and “conquer.”
Speaking in a similar vein, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, who also spoke shortly after the presentation of certificates of return to the three candidates said, “We are here to present certificates of return to our three candidates for Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States.
“The party is sure of coming victorious. As you are aware, we are presenting Gov Duoye Diri for Bayelsa State; our own National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu for Imo State and My own brother, Senator Dino Melaye for Kogi State.
“As you heard yesterday at the court, the judge said Nigeria needs a lot of prayers. We need prayers for these three candidates to win this election.”
On his part, Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, who is seeking reelection on the party’s ticket said, “PDP is very sure of victory in Bayelsa State. We don’t have any internal crisis in the PDP in Bayelsa State.
“This is a governorship election in Bayelsa State and so, we are well organized. We have more members of the opposition coming into PDP in Bayelsa State.
“Those are no issues in Bayelsa State. Bayelsa PDP is very strong, vibrant and poised the win the election.
“If I should give you a scale, it would be like 80-20. Bayelsans have resolved unanimously that PDP as exemplified by me, you don’t need to change players in a winning team. Bayelsans are very resolute about that and I just want to say thank you. We will do it again.”
The party’s candidate for the Imo State election, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, in his remarks said, “Imo is traditionally PDP State. What you have there now is a product of the court. I am back to reclaim the mandate of the PDP.”
The National President of Heavy-Duty Drivers Association, Mr Uchenna Nebuwa, says members of the association and other drivers no longer use the second Niger Bridge because of security concerns.
Nebuwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Onitsha that criminals have taken over the route, including Obosi-Owerri axis of the road.
According to him, hoodlums, armed robbers and kidnappers now operate along the bridge.
“Drivers are afraid because there is no adequate security on the second Niger bridge, Federal Government should provide security to secure lives and property.
“Another worrisome one is the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri road, as our trucks fall on the road on daily basis, we have lost over N20 billion worth of vehicles and goods on that road.
”We are begging Federal Government to help us fix the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri road as this will encourage drivers to be using the second Niger bridge”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Great Tippers Association of Nigeria, Anambra Chapter, Mr Chukwuemeka Olekpe, expressed concern about the security situation, saying armed robbers and kidnappers have scared them away from using the bridge.
On his part, a commercial bus driver, Paul Osakwe, who plies Asaba-Owerri road, said drivers avoid the area because the bridge has become lonely and insecure.
“The bridge is not secure, it’s too lonely, you can’t even try to use it at night, even you inside the bus will be scared, government should at least install light on the bridge, maybe that will help”, he said.
Mr Seyi Martins, the Engineer in charge of the bridge, attributed its low usage to the security challenges in the South-East, adding that their mandate was to construct the bridge and open it to ease traffic.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Mahmuda Mamman, had while inspecting the vandalised part of the bridge on Monday, urged security agencies to beef up security on the second Niger bridge and surrounding areas.
The chief executive officer of Convvy Estates Limited, Samuel Oni has lamented the current cost of labour and building materials triggered by removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, saying it is affecting the cost of housing units in the country.
The Convvy boss, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos, revealed that the cost of labour and building materials have skyrocketed, saying he has been working around his finances and work’s ethics without compromising standards.
He said: “within the estate, we do some basic things by ourselves. Let me let you know that the cost of labour has also gone up. A mason or carpenter now collects N7,000 instead N3,500. We have to go back to the drawing board to look at our operation, then scale it down so that we will be picking it gradually. We are not stopping work, we are progressing but our activities are based on scale of preference.”
Due to these challenges, he said, the prices of the housing units have been affected, adding that the increase in price is tied to the present economic challenges.
“Housing units’ prices ranged from N55 million for outright purchase. The same unit can’t go for that in the next 12 months. When we started, the price was N48 million. The fuel subsidy removal is affecting our bottom line if you look at it very well,” he said.
He disclosed the 2025 deadline for the delivery of all the housing units, pointing out that, one uniqueness about the estate was that, immediately you subscribed and made payment, subscribers got all their documents immediately.
He added that lack of transparency in the area of documentation remains one of the reasons Nigerians in Diaspora are wary of investing in housing back home.
Oni said:” When we showed interest in investing back home in Nigeria, we said we wanted all the documents to be perfected before selling any of the property. And that’s what we are doing in Convvy Estate. As you subscribe to our estate and make full payment, you get all the documents.“
Having spent two years in putting Convvy Estate in shape, Oni is of the opinion that Nigerians, wherever they are either at home or in the diaspora, should be able to buy land, subscribe or get their home conveniently without any hassle, without omo-onile’s crisis, without the issue of documentation.
“Documentation is the most common thing that is really a hindrance to people living abroad from investing in real estate back home. For people living abroad, there is this kind of distorted information, process that you have to get this, you have to buy this, and at the end of the day after paying for some certain documents, developers would still go back to them that they still need to pay for one kind of document that does not really exists.
“I am a Nigerian and I live in Canada, I have witnessed how things are done over there in Canada, South Africa and other parts of the world. I am also bringing this to Nigeria and that is the basis of Convvy Estates,” he said.