Former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu might be in another trouble while serving his sentence in the UK.

Recall that he is currenlty serving 10 years in prison for human trafficking last year.

According to a new report by TheNation, Ekweremadu is currently under investigation by the London Metropolitan Police in a new case linked to him.

A documentary by Chude Jideonwo titled: “Daniel vs Ekweremadu,” the police are investigating a case involving Ekweremadu, although details are scarce due to the ongoing investigation.

Part 1 of the two-part docu-series was released on Friday, 23 August. It is written and directed by award winning filmmaker and TV host, Chude Jideonwo.

In an email from a spokesperson to the police, Alexandra Meek to the producers as shown in the documentary, she said: “With regards to the live investigation, which is linked – On Tuesday, 8 November 2022 detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime arrested a woman on suspicion of conspiracy to exploit for the purposes of organ harvesting.

“The woman, who is in her 50s, has been released under investigation. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

Ms Meek, who is senior communication manager for the MET Police, gave this as a reason for the police’s inability to participate in the documentary.

According to Chude: “‘Daniel’ is the name given by a journalist and adopted by the documentary filmmakers for the victim-survivor of the first conviction under the UK’s Modern Slavery Law – under which Ekweremadu became the first to be sentenced to jail alongside his wife, Beatrice and a doctor-friend, Obinna Obeta.

“It follows a directive from the judge of the case for the real name to remain undisclosed.

“‘Daniel vs Ekweremadu’ tells the story of Senator Ekweremadu’s fall from Nigerian deputy senate president to British jailbird upon his conviction for organ harvesting.

Shot in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the series includes exclusive access to British prosecutors, police, the family of the survivor-victim amongst others in this first-of-its-kind thriller-style documentary from a West African independent studio.”

The 2023 PDP Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government for the 18-year age limit on NECO and WAEC exams, calling it absurd and a barrier to scholarships.

Recall that the Federal Government has banned individuals below 18 from participating in the NECO and WAEC exams.

This was revealed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during his appearance on Channels Television’s ‘ Sunday Politics’ program.

Mamman stated that the federal government has instructed WAEC, responsible for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, and NECO, which administers the Senior School Certificate Examination, to enforce the 18-year age requirement for candidates taking these exams.

In response, the former Vice President took to his verified Facebook page on Wednesday to criticize the policy as outdated.

Atiku labelled the policy as controversial and called for universal condemnation from those who value intellectual freedom and accessibility.

He stated, “Tinubu’s policy on age limit for tertiary education admission belongs in the Stone Ages.

“The recent policy of the Federal Ministry of Education pegging age limits for entry to tertiary institutions is an absurdity and a disincentive to scholarship.

“The policy runs foul of the notion of delineation of responsibilities in a federal system of government such as we are practising, and gives a graphic impression of how the Tinubu government behaves like a lost sailor on a high sea.

“Otherwise, how is such anti-scholarship regulation the next logical step in the myriad of issues besetting our educational system?

“To be clear, the Nigerian constitution puts education in the concurrent list of schedules, in which the  sub-national government enjoys more roles above the Federal Government.”

The former Vice President highlighted that the most effective global approach is to allow sub-national governments to establish their education laws or regulations.

Atiku continued, “Therefore, it is extra-constitutional for the federal government to legislate on education like a decree.

“The best global standard for such regulation is to allow the sub-national governments to make respective laws or rules on education.

“It is discouraging that even while announcing this obnoxious policy, the government inadvertently said it had no plan to cater to specially gifted pupils. That statement is an embarrassment to the body of intellectuals in the country because it portrays Nigeria as a country where gifted students are not appreciated.

“The irony here is that should the federal government play any role in education, it is to set up mechanisms that will identify and grant scholarships to gifted students not minding their ages before applying for admission into tertiary institutions.

“This controversial policy belongs in the Stone Ages and should be roundly condemned by everyone who believes in intellectual freedom and accessibility.”

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has explained why the federal government is yet to implement the Steve Oronsaye report.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday after a visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in Abuja, Gbajabiamila said the federal government is working out all necessary modalities to ensure a smooth implementation of the policy.

The Chief of Staff also shut down suggestions that the report has been thrown under the carpet or is being ignored.

He, however, added that there is no timeline yet for the implementation of the Oronsaye report.

Naija News recalls the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by President Bola Tinubu, in February, approved the full implementation of the Oronsaye report to merge some parastatals, agencies, and some commissions, while others will be subsumed, scrapped or relocated.

The government further set up an eight-man committee with the mandate to make recommendations on the mergers, scrapings, and relocations within 12 weeks.

However, six months later, the report has not been implemented.

The Oronsaye report is expected to reduce the cost of governance and streamline efficiency across the governance value chain.

Origin

In 2011, then President Goodluck Jonathan set up the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies with Steve Oronsaye as chairman.

On April 16, 2012, the committee submitted an 800-page report identifying, amongst several other things, overlapping agencies, causing wastage in expenditure.

The report said there were 541 parastatals, commissions and agencies and recommended that 263 of the agencies should be reduced to 161, 38 agencies abolished and 52 merged.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has highlighted that Nigeria’s average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate has been steadily declining since 2014, indicating a downturn in the economic well-being of Nigerians.

Speaking at Sunday’s Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) annual general conference, Okonjo-Iweala noted that Nigeria’s economic fortunes reversed following a decade of positive growth between 2000 and 2014 when the average GDP growth rate was approximately 3.8%. During this period, GDP growth outpaced the nation’s population growth by around 2.6% annually.

However, the situation has deteriorated since 2014, with GDP growth showing a negative rate of 0.9%. Okonjo-Iweala attributed this to the government’s inability to sustain the positive growth of previous administrations.

“Many of the significant challenges the NBA faces today are rooted in Nigeria’s failure to maintain the rate of economic growth that consistently outpaced our population growth. We had periods of reform and faster economic growth not solely dependent on oil prices. Still, we failed to build on these gains, leading to diminished job prospects and reduced well-being for many Nigerians,” she said.

She emphasized that between 2000 and 2014, Nigeria enjoyed an average GDP growth rate of 3.8%, significantly above the 2.6% population growth rate, which improved living standards. In contrast, the following decade saw an average annual GDP per capita growth of -0.9%, indicating a decline in living standards due to a lack of sustained positive growth momentum.

To address these issues, Okonjo-Iweala called for sustained good economic policies regardless of the administration or political party in power. She argued that policy inconsistencies have contributed to Nigeria’s economic fortunes’ reversal and advocated for a social contract between the government and the people that transcends political changes.

“Maintaining good economic and social policies, ensuring policy consistency, and implementing additional reforms will help guide Nigeria towards the progress we all desire,” she added.

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Nigeria’s GDP growth rate declined to 2.98% in the latest quarter, down from 3.46% in the previous quarter but higher than the 2.31% recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023.

Six state governments including Ekiti, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa have spent about N160bn on airport projects that opposition politicians and aviation professionals classified as unviable.

Stakeholders say the huge public funds expended on the facilities have amounted to waste. They condemned the state governors and asked Nigerians to hold them responsible for the waste.

However, some industry players advised that the facilities be converted into skill acquisition centres for the benefit of the citizens.

Some called on relevant authorities to probe the money spent on the unviable projects.

Checks by the PUNCH showed that the six states spent over N160bn on their various airport projects, but the facilities have not attracted a considerable number of aircraft for charter or commercial purposes.

Apart from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that generate about 80 per cent of revenues for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, other airports constitute a financial burden to FAAN.

But, despite the challenges facing most of the aerodromes in the country, more state governments have continued to pump scarce resources into the construction of more airports with most designating them as “cargo airports.”

In the last decade, no fewer than 10 state governments have mooted or commenced such projects.

Some of the states include Osun, Ebonyi, Ogun, Benue, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Ekiti, and Bayelsa. Sadly, most of these projects were never completed, while others were abandoned by their successors in office.

They include Asaba Airport, Ebonyi Airport, Bayelsa Airport, Ogun Cargo Airport, MKO Abiola International Airport, Osun, which is uncompleted, Ekiti Cargo Airport, Anambra Cargo Airport, Abia Airport, Wachakal Airport in Damaturu, and Dutse International Airport in Jigawa.

Others are Lafia Airport in Nasarawa which is uncompleted, Kebbi Airport, Auchi Airport in Edo which is uncompleted, Zamfara Airport, and Gombe Airport.

In 2017, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State commenced his move to build an airport in the state. Six years later, the governor renewed his zeal for the project, A cargo airport in Umueri, in the Anambra East Local Government Area.

Anambra State is surrounded by airports in Delta, Imo, and Enugu states but the governor embarked on the project.

Though many believed the project was new in the plans of the government and needless, the governor in April 2017 flagged off the airport project.

At the flagging-off ceremony in April 2017, Obiano said that the government wanted to create an airport city in the state with a model that would accommodate two runways, an aviation fuel dump, an airport hotel, an industrial business park, an international convention centre, as well as a facility for aircraft maintenance.

He had initially boasted that the airport with a cost implication of $2b as at when it was conceived would join some of the most advanced airports in the world with a capacity to land any of the most sophisticated vessels known to man.

In 2021, the state government said N6b was spent and not $2b as alleged in some quarters.

Also, the immediate past aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, conveyed the approval for the construction of the Ebonyi airport through correspondence to then Governor David Umahi, now Minister of Works. The letter was signed by the Director of Safety and Technical Policy, Capt Talba Alkali, on behalf of the ministry in 2019.

At the commissioning of the airport, Umahi revealed that he spent over N36bn to build the airport, located in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area. But as at the time of filing this report, the airport situation is best described as comatose.

The immediate past Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, expended N16bn public funds on the Akure airport, but the airport has also refused to attract aircraft over its non-viability.

When the governor conceived the idea, it was greeted by criticisms from stakeholders both in the state and beyond but the governor vetoed the cargo airport which is currently not in use. 

As of January 2023, the Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management, Niyi Adebayo, revealed that N16.6bn had been spent on the yet-to-be-completed facility in Ekiti State.

He explained that the fund was used for perimeter fencing, completion of the runway and taxiway, terminal building, and payment of compensation for the farmers whose farmlands were acquired for the project.

In Jigawa State, ex-governor Sule Lamido, also pumped N4bn to build an airport for the state, one that was commissioned in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The airport facility is located less than 100km from Aminu Kano International Airport, making experts describe it as wasteful spending.

Also, in Bayelsa, former Governor Seriake Dickson spent N70bn on the construction of an airport which began in 2012 and was completed in February 2019.

The amount spent on the airport by the governor has been disputed by some stakeholders, among which was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomole.

Oshiomhole had stated that the project gulped over N100bn but Dickson insisted that it was done at the rate of N70bn.

Same for Yobe State where the transport commissioner, Abdullahi Kukuwa, had recently told newsmen that the state spent more than N18bn on the unused airport project initiated in 2017.

Like its counterpart, the Nasarawa cargo airport project was initiated in December 2015 during the second tenure of a former Governor Umaru Al-Makura, who said he had the vision to open the state for investment opportunities.

The project was estimated at N10bn and was to ease cargo traffic at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, because Nasarawa is the closest state bordering the FCT.

Aviation professionals speak

The General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table, a group for industry professionals, Olumide Ohunayo, criticised the scale of some airport projects, arguing that while building airports is essential, the funds allocated and the size of these developments are often disproportionate to the immediate needs.

“I am not one of those who criticise the building of an airport. What I criticise is the size of the airport and the funds made available for such developments,” Ohunayo said.

He emphasised that airports typically start as social infrastructure rather than profit-making ventures. “It’s when it begins to develop that they now think about commercialising and maybe giving to private investors.”

Ohunayo further noted the tendency in Nigeria to start airport projects on a large scale without sufficient flight operations to justify the investment. “When you don’t have any flight and you are starting big, you want to operate internationally from the very first day,” he said.

He also pointed out the irony that some of the experts who now criticize these projects were previously involved in advising the government and securing funds for such developments.

On his part, Capt John Okakpu said aside from the Anambra airport, all of the other mentioned airports should be converted to skill acquisition centres or any form of public facility that will be of use to the people.

“Immediately these governors see a colleague that has embarked on such a project even when the fellow did not achieve success, you will see the others doing the same, but my question is, why should a right-thinking human want to replicate failure? In all, it is to steal.

“For instance, before you think of building an airport you should be able to ascertain the passenger traffic. It is not rocket science, you must do it even before any other study.”

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Security Limited, Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd.), echoed similar sentiments, questioning the approval process and the lack of a solid business plan behind these airport projects.

“When were they approved by the National Civil Aviation Authority? What was the business plan behind it?” he asked, stressing the importance of having a clear operational base and understanding the potential passenger traffic.

Ojikutu also criticized the focus on building new airports in regions with low travel demand, using Ekiti State as an example. “I told the people in Ekiti not to build an airport, but to build a road to connect Ekiti and Akure. The money they will make on the road is much more than the money you will make from the airport,” he noted.

Opposition mock governors

Although the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, defended his predecessor for the construction of an airport in the state, opposition politicians said the facility was unnecessary

Oyebanji said all the airport was awaiting was certification from the regulatory agencies to begin commercial operations and promised that the airport would begin operations before the end of the year

“On access to Ekiti State, our airport is practically ready. But in Nigeria, I have learned something about technical readiness and practical readiness. Our airport is ready, but I don’t want to play politics with safety. So we are waiting for the regulatory agencies to give us all the certifications.

“As I speak today, they are in Ekiti now at the airport, trying to look at what we have put on the ground. Once we have the certification from NCAA and FAAN, then access to Ekiti State will be sorted out at least through the air. I don’t want to give a timeframe but before the end of this year, commercial operations will begin at the Ekiti State airport,” he said.

However, the state Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Alaba Agboola, said the airport was not the priority of Ekiti State for now, describing the money injected into the project as waste.

Agboola said, “Yes, I agree that Ekiti needs an airport, but if we need something, we must at the same time look at the viability of that project. Ekiti receives meagre amounts compared to other states of the Federation. I think we must be able to prioritize our needs.

“If we want to prioritise our needs in Ekiti State, the airport is not one of them because there is an airport in Akure that can be serviceable to us. We have so many needs that require government attention now. I don’t think there is any need to have an airport that is not viable, that is not commercially oriented, that is just tying down our money.

“I can term it to be wasteful spending of Ekiti resources. After the inauguration of the airport in 2022, the airport has been stagnated. An airport that is not usable.

On his part, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, defended the construction of the state’s airport but was noncommittal on whether it was viable or not.

Koku-Obiyai told our correspondent that the airport offered an alternative to people in the neighbouring states of Delta and Rivers states.

On whether it is still operating commercially, she said there was an arrangement with an airline, which seems to have been disrupted as of the time of filing this report.

But the candidate of the Labour Party during the last election, Udengs Eradiri, said he was surprised when he heard that the state was trying to procure an airplane, stressing that he was yet to understand why.

“Do they have discipline? They have not shown discipline in the management of the state assets. Are we buying a plane like Rivers State or Ibom Air of Akwa Ibom? The governor is travelling about. He should sit in the state and get the Bayelsa State economy going,” Eradiri stated.

Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Energy in Yobe State, Dr Mustapha Geidam, said the government is actively collaborating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to secure the requisite clearance for the commencement of commercial operations at the state airport. In Ebonyi, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Silas Onu, described the airport as ill-conceived, saying it was a white elephant project.

According to him, a right-thinking governor could have opted for massive industrialisation of the state seeing that agriculture was its main economic base.

He added that the project was a huge waste to the state, which had not added any economic value to its citizens.

“As an opening remark, may I indicate that the said airport was built and commissioned as a completed project by the immediate past Governor, David Umahi. The commissioning was widely broadcast with the landing of one aircraft from Air Peace. I doubt if any other plane landed at the airport after the official commission/opening of that airport.

“So I was personally shocked and taken aback when the newly sworn-in Governor Nwifuru began spending billions on the newly unused airport, for what he termed as rehabilitation or was it renovation? Whichever it was, there was absolutely no need for further needless spending on what has now become a white elephant project.”

The Federal Government has finally initiated plans to enlist the services of an external auditor to verify the N2.7tn fuel subsidy claim by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited against the government.

The yet-to-be-named auditor will assist the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation in determining the real amount owed by the government.

This development comes five months after the plan was proposed at the monthly Federation Allocation Accounts Committee meeting in April 2024.

NNPC claimed an outstanding of N6tn but was reduced to N2.7tn after an initial audit by an audit firm, KPMG.

The PUNCH had reported that the audit would span from 2015 to 2021.

Although the Director of Home Finance at the Ministry of Finance, Ali Mohammed, has always provided updates at every FAAC meeting, the latest development for an external auditor indicates that no concrete step has been taken to audit the claim.

On May 30, 2023, a few hours after the “subsidy is gone” declaration by President Bola Tinubu, the NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, told State House correspondents that the Federal Government still owed the firm the sum of N2.8tn spent on petrol subsidy.

While saying the NNPC footed petrol subsidy bills from its cash flow, Kyari said the government had so far been unable to pay back the N2.8tn.

Lagos-Calabar highway demolition: 100 landowners team up for fresh legal war
He said, “Since the provision of the N6tn in 2022 and N3.7tn in 2023, we have not received any payment from the Federation.

“That means they (the Federal Government) are unable to pay and we’ve continued to support this subsidy from the cash flow of the NNPC. We are waiting for them to settle up to N2.8tn of NNPC’s cash flow from the subsidy regime and we can’t continue to build this.”

A copy of the minutes of the recent FAAC meeting obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday in Abuja revealed that a selection process for an external auditor by the procurement department of the finance ministry has begun.

The minute read, “On the forensic audit covering the period 2015 to 2021 to Authenticate NNPC/Federation Claims in Respect of N2.7tn withheld by NNPC Limited:

“The Director of Home Finance reported that the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation was still working on the matter, adding that the Procurement Department of the Ministry had also put structures in place for the engagement of an external auditor, who would assist OAuGF to carry out the assignment.”

Commenting on the issue, the Chairman of Commissioners’ Forum/HCF, Ekiti State, suggested the need to extend the period of the audit review to December 2023, considering that the exercise was yet to commence.

Also, the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Lydia Jafiya, suggested the need to limit the scope of the audit exercise to cover the period 2021 to June 2022, when NNPC was a corporation before transitioning to a Limited Liability Company.

Concluding, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, appreciated the contributions of members on the issue and expressed optimism that the exercise would be speedily executed.

Over 100 property owners in Lafiaji community, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, are planning legal action against the Federal Government as they are being issued demolition notices to evacuate their properties for the Lagos- Calabar Highway construction.

This was made known in a statement titled, ‘Being the text of a press conference addressed by Property Owners and Residents of Lafiaji Community, Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State on the distortion in the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway by arbitrary deviation from the long-established right of way by the Hon. Minister Of Works and the threatened unlawful demolition of their property at Lafiaji Community, Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State,’ on Tuesday.

The property owners accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of altering the original right of way to shield prominent politicians.

In the statement, they claimed that they followed due process in acquiring their lands, adding that in the acquisitions of their plots of land and in building their property, they were well informed about the Right of Way, clearly marked, beaconed, and established for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and, therefore, ensured that they did not encroach on or trespass to the established Right of Way.

The statement read in part, “In the acquisition of our plots of land and development of our respective homes and property, we obtained requisite consents of the Lagos State Government to our deeds of assignments, had our respective survey plans hewed from the approved Ojomu Family Layout Plan, and obtained all the necessary building approvals and development permits from the relevant agencies of the Lagos State Government.

“However, there are those who, overtime, have built on the said Right of Way and constructed huge estates crisscrossing same in the illusion that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would never be built, without any valid legal title to the land on which they built; or with government officials-assisted fabricated certificates of occupancy with embossed survey-plans (the area coordinates of which truly are that of lands adjacent and proximate to the Right of Way, but which are passed off as that of lands situated within or covered by the Right of Way, to obtain certificates of occupancy). These persons also either did not obtain valid building approvals and development permits from the relevant agencies of the Lagos State Government or were assisted by corrupt officials of government to obtain doctored documents.

“As an outcome of the recent visit of the Honourable Minister of Works and Federal Controller of Works to the communities affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, especially regarding compliance with the enforcement of the Right of Way, valuation of affected landed property, service of removal and demolition notices, and compensation, the Honourable Minister of Works and the Federal Controller of Works decided to deviate from the scrupulous implementation of the Right of way by specifically directing surveyors of the Federal Government of Nigeria (Ministry of Works) on the project to establish a fresh Right of Way, create a new alignment and  alter the road-course  into the area where our clients’ plots of lands and houses are situate, an area which was not covered by the long established Right of Way.”

The project, designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passes through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River.

It is crucial for enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities along Nigeria’s coastal region and is expected to cost N4bn per kilometre, with the government awarding contracts for two sections of less than 100km at a total cost of N2.46tn.

But the coastal highway has been a subject of public scrutiny and controversies since the government commenced construction in March.

In May, Umahi disclosed that 750 houses on the path of the highway had been marked for demolition but owners of affected property were displeased with the government compensation, claiming it did not match their investments.

According to them, the compensation is grossly inadequate and there is the need for the government to review the payment.

The founder of Leisure Games, Olanrewaju Ojo, who got N1.3m compensation, told The PUNCH that the amount was what he could generate in a week.

He said, “This is ridiculous! What am I supposed to do with this? I will make this in a week.”

Stakeholders and experts also condemned the road procurement process, stressing that the contract awarded to the construction company was shrouded in secrecy and bypassed the proper procurement process.

The Lafiaji community residents noted that they wrote protest letters to President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, amongst other public officers, to seek redress.

“Surprisingly, our relief was short-lived as the officials of the Federal Ministry of Works subsequently resumed in our community to mark our buildings afresh, and to inform us that our property and homes are still very much within the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway course and that the new alignment had not been jettisoned as far as our lands and property were concerned.”

Petrified, they stated that they immediately embarked on an investigation, visiting the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Lagos State Office of the Surveyor-General, and the Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos.

They posited, “We have discovered to our chagrin that the Honourable Minister of Works has disregarded and rebuffed the clear directive of the President of Nigeria, as far as our lands in the Lafiaji Area is concerned. From our findings, we make bold to say that the Honourable Minister of Works has an improper and less than patriotic reasons for arbitrarily directing a departure from the long-established Right of Way for the construction of the Coastal Highway, in the Lafiaji Area.

“This is the reason, from our findings, the minister has found it difficult to follow the presidential directive in the Lafiaji Area. We discovered that amongst some huge housing estates that allegedly have sprung up illicitly on the long-established Right of Way are Ocean Bay Estate and others. The developers of these estates and some of the owners-occupiers of buildings therein are alleged to have strong political connections, ethnic ties, and social links with the powers that be.

“Therefore, the Minister of Works, in an unabashed display of nepotism, as alleged, “ruled” that the property and buildings in these estates are too valuable to be demolished, and that demolishing them would attract huge compensation from the Federal Government. In consequence, it is being alleged that the Minister of Works directed that the Right of Way be altered away from the established path and the said estates and that this new alignment be made through our lands which were never established as the original Right of Way.” 

They asserted that after deciding to alter the Right of Way, the Minister of Works found a pretext for their actions by labeling their property as shanties to create the false impression that they were unlawful settlers and illegal occupiers.

“It is our considered but firm position that the decision of the Minister of Works to change the Right of Way and, therefore, the course of the Highway is an abuse of power and unlawful exercise of ministerial discretion. The Minister has no latitude of executive prerogatives to do what he has directed should be done. We dare say that, after the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has specifically directed a reversion to the old, long-established Right of Way, the adamancy of the Minister amounts to an act of ministerial lawlessness!

“As a result of the action of the Minister of Works, we are now being confronted with the prospect of being rendered homeless. The landed properties affected are not just realty investments but also the homes of many of us. Some of us currently are overseas and, therefore, are in no position to vacate and yield up possession of our property for demolition within the unreasonable time we were unconscionably given to flee our abodes.

“We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Minister of Works to order and direct him to abandon his whimsical and capricious new alignment for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway at Lafiaji, Eti Osa Local Government Area, and revert to the original long-established Right of Way, as the President had earlier directed.”

The Federal Government had in June said it had rerouted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway path to avoid any possible damage to subsea cables belonging to telecommunication companies.

The government also said it had reduced the project’s size from 10 lanes to six as a cost-saving measure for the legacy project.

Umahi, who made the announcements at a meeting with contractors on Tuesday in Abuja, also said the government had disbursed a total sum of N10bn as compensation to property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. 

This was as it announced that the first 47km of the project would be open to the public by May of next year.

The legal practitioner representing the community, Jiti Ogunye, said there were so many obstacles involved in proceeding to court on the part of prospective litigants because of the need to reform the judicial process.

He said, “The rules of court are one of the major obstacles, and our courts are congested because our justice dispensation infrastructure is small. However, we want to give it the best shot we can give it because right and morality are on our side, and if we fail, it will not be that we did not try but the system is hostile to success.

“Hence, if we are left with no other choice and if push goes to shove, we will go to court.”

A resident, Bonojo Olalekan, said over 100 property owners were affected by the rerouting.

In a brief call with the Federal Comptroller with the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Keisha, she referred our correspondent back to the Honorable Minister of Works.

She retorted, “I said you should go to the Honorable Minister.”

Also, several attempts to reach the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Orji Uchenna Orji, through calls and texts were not responded to.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Environment has announced a 21-day public display of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

This was disclosed on the agency’s website on Tuesday.

It stated, “Public display exercise on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1 (0km – 47.5km) By Federal Ministry Of Works.

“Following the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act CAP E12 LFN 2004, which makes it mandatory for proponents of all new major developmental activities to carry out EIA for their proposed projects, the Federal Ministry of Environment hereby announces twenty-one (21) working days public display for information and comments on the draft ESIA report for the above-stated project submitted by Federal Ministry of Works.

“This display is to enable the public to make inputs that shall facilitate informed decision taking by the Ministry on the proposed project.”

The report noted that the project required an ESIA due to the potential environmental and social impacts associated with its construction to comply with international standards and Nigerian regulations.

“The ESIA is a crucial tool for identifying, assessing, and mitigating the potential negative impacts of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project while maximising its benefits. Alongside the ESIA is the preparation of a Resettlement Action Plan for the Highway. A Resettlement Action Plan is essential for a highway due to the potential for involuntary resettlement.

“The ESIA aims to ensure the project is developed and implemented sustainably, protecting the environment and benefiting the local community. The primary goal of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is to identify, assess, and mitigate potential negative impacts on the environment and society.”

The report further noted that the highway was a significant infrastructural development spanning over 700km and divided into nine sections.

It added, “Work will begin with Section 1, which spans from 0km to 47.5km in Lagos. Section 1 includes development activities related to transportation, coastal resort facilities, hotels, and recreational facilities in national parks and marine parks.

“The project’s impact assessment has a phased approach to demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social considerations. This ESIA report specifically focuses on Section 1, providing a foundation for subsequent sections. The ESIA evaluates the environmental and social impact of a plan, policy, program, or project before deciding to proceed with the proposed action.

“It covers various aspects, including the environment’s physical, biological, socio-economic, and health elements. The ESIA will describe project activities and identify potential impacts on air, water, soil, vegetation, wildlife, land use, and affected individuals and assets.”

French Ligue 1 Champions, Paris Saint-Germain, are preparing a final bid for Napoli and Super Eagles striker, Victor James Osimhen.

Luis Enrique’s side, alongside Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, have been two powerhouses that have been linked with signing the former LOSC Lille man, but Napoli have not been budging during negotiations, as they’re keen on receiving nothing less than Osimhen’s €130m release clause.

Recall that Napoli had agreed to a £55m deal with Saudi Pro League side, Al Ahli, for Osimhen, but the 25-year-old rejected the offer, with his agent, Roberto Calenda, coming out to say the Nigerian still has a lot to offer in Europe.

As per Caught Offside, Luis Enrique has finally considered the option of bringing Osimhen to the Parc des Prince, with Goncalo Ramos’ opening-day injury forcing them back into the market.

According to a recent report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the French giants are preparing to make Napoli a take-it-or-leave-it offer worth between £42 – £50 million (€50 – €60 million), after seeing how little it took Conte’s side to agree on a deal with Al Ahli.

PSG’s offer is way below what Napoli want, and the offer will most likely be rejected, although the player has already agreed to personal terms with Le Parisien.

Since arriving in Naples in 2020, Osimhen, whose contract expires in the summer of 2028, has scored 76 goals and registered 18 assists in 133 games in all competitions, winning the Scudetto in the 2022/2023 season.

New head coach Bruno Labbadia has confirmed a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda.

Nigeria will first face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before travelling to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.

For these fixtures, Labbadia has selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Notable inclusions are Orlando Pirates defender Olisah Ndah, former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Taiwo Awoniyi.

William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Ola Aina, who missed out under Finidi George due to injuries sustained during the AFCON tournament, have been recalled to the squad.

AFCON 2023 hero Stanley Nwabali, alongside Udinese FC’s Maduka Okoye and Obasogie, will compete for the number one goalkeeper spot.

The players are expected to assemble in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September, in preparation for these crucial matches.

Here is the full squad list

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

Former Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen striker Bruno Labbadia has been named the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The German-Italian tactician brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a manager, to a nation brimming with football talent but yearning for global success.

But who is Bruno Labbadia, and what can Nigerians expect from him? Here’s a deep look into ten key things you need to know about the man now charged with leading Nigeria to new heights.

1. A Prolific Striker in His Playing Days

Bruno Labbadia’s name might not resonate as loudly as some of the world’s top strikers, but his record speaks for itself.

Across a storied playing career in Germany, Labbadia netted 229 goals in 599 appearances.

His best seasons saw him score prolifically for clubs like Arminia Bielefeld and Bayern Munich, with standout campaigns including 29 goals for Bielefeld in 1998-99 and 21 goals for Darmstadt 98 in 1986-87.

This goal-scoring nous could hint at an attacking philosophy that might excite Nigerian fans eager to see their team play with flair and purpose.

2. Tactical Flexibility and Pragmatism

Labbadia has built a reputation as a manager who can adapt his tactics to suit the strengths of his squad.

Whether leading a team to survival in a relegation battle or pushing for European qualification, Labbadia has shown he can be both pragmatic and flexible. His stints with clubs like VfB Stuttgart and VfL Wolfsburg showcased his ability to shift between different formations and playing styles.

Nigerian fans can expect a coach who will tailor his approach to maximise the potential of the Super Eagles’ diverse talent pool.

3. Success at Top-Tier Clubs

Labbadia’s managerial career has seen him take charge of some of Germany’s most storied clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, and VfL Wolfsburg.

Interestingly, he led Stuttgart to a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga and a spot in the UEFA Europa League.

While he has faced challenges, Labbadia’s ability to guide teams through difficult periods and achieve respectable finishes speaks to his competence at the highest levels of the game.

4. The Relegation Specialist

If there’s one label that sticks with Labbadia, it’s that of a “relegation specialist.”

On multiple occasions, he has been brought in to save clubs from the brink of relegation — a task he has completed with remarkable consistency.

Whether it was rescuing Hamburg in 2015 or leading Wolfsburg to safety in 2018, Labbadia has shown he can steady the ship in turbulent waters.

Nigeria might not be in a relegation battle, but the former African champions are far from being in a great place in the World Cup qualifiers.

Labbadia’s experience, therefore, in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable in the cutthroat world of African football.

5. Italian Roots, German Discipline

Born to Italian parents who migrated to Germany as Gastarbeiter (guest workers), Labbadia’s heritage combines the passion and flair of Italian football with the discipline and efficiency of the German game.

This unique blend of influences is reflected in his managerial style — a mix of tactical rigidity and creative freedom.

For a Nigerian team that often struggles to balance structure with spontaneity, Labbadia could be the perfect fit.

6. A Connection to Youth Development

Throughout his managerial career, Labbadia has shown a willingness to trust and develop young talent.

At VfL Wolfsburg, he played a crucial role in the development of players like Josip Brekalo and John Brooks.

His ability to nurture and integrate young players into the first team could be a boon for Nigeria, a nation with an ever-growing pool of young, talented footballers eager to make their mark on the global stage.

7. A Record of Mixed Results

While Labbadia’s managerial career has had its highs, it’s also seen its share of lows.

He has been sacked multiple times, most recently from VfB Stuttgart after a poor run of results.

However, his ability to bounce back from setbacks and land jobs at other top clubs speaks to his resilience and the respect he commands within the footballing community.

Nigerian fans should be prepared for a coach who is not afraid to take risks but who also understands the demands of managing at the top level.

8. A Focus on Defensive Organization

One of the hallmarks of Labbadia’s teams is their defensive organization.

He often emphasises a solid defensive structure as the foundation for success. While this might not always lead to the most thrilling football, it has proven effective in grinding out results.

For a Nigerian team that has sometimes struggled with defensive consistency, Labbadia’s emphasis on organisation at the back could be exactly what’s needed to turn the Super Eagles into a formidable force.

9. A New Chapter in African Football

Labbadia’s appointment as the head coach of Nigeria represents a significant chapter for him.

This is the first time the 58-year-old gaffer will be taking up a coaching job outside of Germany. It even becomes more challenging as he is arriving in African football for the first time. There is no cause for alarm, though.

European coaches have had varying degrees of success on the continent, and Labbadia will be keen to make his mark by leading Nigeria to continental and possibly global glory.

His journey from the Bundesliga to Africa’s biggest footballing stage is one filled with potential, challenges, and the promise of success.

10. Labbadia’s first hurdles

With Labbadia’s appointment being with immediate effect, the German gaffer will be in charge when Nigeria begin their qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next month.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Benin Republic on September 7 before trading tackles with Rwanda three days later.

Labbadia’s first task will be to name a 23-man squad for those engagements over the coming hours and set a strategy in motion to guide Nigeria to positive results.

How the former FC Koln coach navigates the September hurdles will be a pointer to how he will be perceived in the Nigerian football space.