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  • Amaechi blames CCECC for slow pace of work on Lagos-Ibadan rail project

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the slow pace of work at the ongoing construction of Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge rail line.

    Amaechi expressed disappointment on the progress of work done so far while inspecting the project on Monday.

    The minister chided the contractor for slowing down work and track-laying from Distance Kilometre (DK) 121 to 157 of the Lagos-Ibadan rail line project.

    According to him, the Federal Government plans to commence transportation of cargoes from the sea ports through the standard rail gauge by December.

    “Since you came to this segment of the project, you have not done anything here.

    Read also: EFCC arrests railway staff, two others for fraud in Kaduna

    “To those of you who are here with me on this inspection, did you see any work going on? There is no work at all.

    “From Kilometre 121 to 157, there is no work at all; and you have no reason whatsoever not to have worked, because we are not owing you.

    “You are doing no job, absolutely no job,” he said.

    Amaechi also said that the Federal Executive Council would discuss the issue of the project during its next meeting.

    The minister said he was dissatisfied with the contractor, saying the company had failed to implement the affected section of the project as earlier discussed with them at a previous meeting.

    According to him, the Federal Government has paid its own counterpart fund for the project.

    He said that the China construction company had no acceptable reason to tender for its inaction, since there was no funding problem on execution of the contract.

    The minister, however, said that the contractor had pleaded for more time to meet the May deadline for the delivery date of the project.

  • AD, LP petition INEC on Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Alliance for Democracy (AD) chairman Kola Ajayi has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the party’s candidate Chief Owolabi Salis winner of the March 9 election.

    At a joint conference in Lagos by the AD and Lagos State Labour Party (LP), Ajayi said the party petitioned the Lagos State Electoral Tribunal to invalidate the election of the governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He added that the party was not calling for the cancellation of the results but to declare the AD candidate the winner of the polls.

    He said: “Though there were evidences that the March 9, governorship election was full of inconsistencies, vote buying and cloning of PVC, we are at the tribunal to demand for justice.

    Read also: Oba Hamzat: Sanwo-Olu should fix potholes, refuse disposal

    “The number of votes which was slightly over 3,000 ascribed to our candidate was a far cry from what the party polled during the election. The AD members alone in Lagos is over 13,000 members.

    “AD won the election in Lagos, we have gathered our material preparatory to make our defence at the tribunal. The international community, local observers and eminent Nigerians who monitor the governorship election made their submission that what INEC declared fall short of expectation.

    In the same vein, the LP governorship candidate Prof. Ifagbemi Awamaridi said the election should be cancelled, noting that his members and agents for the election were not allowed to participate in the election.

    He maintained that LP would exhaust every peaceful means to get justice, noting that the party had equally petition the electoral tribunal.

    According to him, March 9 election was the most inaccurate election conducted by INEC in Lagos.

    “It was very unfortunate that INEC went ahead with the election. When INEC ushered stakeholders to inspect voting materials prior the election, we noticed some deficit which INEC promised to addressed, but to our chagrin this was not considered.

    “Even when I protested during the counting of ballots, I was ordered to be bundled out of the premises but I resisted. The undemocratic tendencies displayed by INEC in collaboration with some security agencies indicated that the process was concocted to favour the ruling party.”

  • EFCC arrests railway staff, two others for fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and two others over alleged fraud and ticket racketeering.

    The commission has also invited three other officials of the Railway Corporation in Kaduna for questioning.

    A source in the commission told The Nation that the arrest followed a tip-off and intelligence report bordering on tickets racketeering, economic sabotage, extortion and other sundry financial malpractice at the Kaduna station of the Kaduna-Abuja train.

    The source said the railway staff and two touts in the EFCC net were picked for defrauding unsuspecting travelers by hiking the traveling ticket fare.

    According to the source, “Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Office of The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Sunday, April 7, 2019 stormed the Rigasa Station of the Nigeria Railway Cooperation in Kaduna Station on receiving intelligence report bordering on tickets racketeering, economic sabotage, extortion and other sundry financial malpractice.

    Read also: Anti-corruption war: Repeal, re-enact EFCC Act

    “On arrival at the station at about 9.47am, some of the operatives took strategic position while others disguised as passengers who joined the queue for the purpose of buying tickets.

    “In the cause of the operation, it was observed that due to the kidnapping and robbery on the road highway, there was an influx of travelers, therefore some members of staff of the station in connivance with some touts were defrauding unsuspecting travelers and selling train tickets at higher rates.

    “For economy ticket of N1300/N1500 they were selling at a rate of N2,000 to N5 000 and for first class which is N2500 was being sold for between N7,000 to N15,000.

    “Based on this intelligence observations, the EFCC operatives swung into action and arrested three persons including a staff of the rail station and two touts.

    “In the course of investigation after the arrest, the Station Manager, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Parcel Booking Officer of the Kaduna Railway Station were invited to the Commission’s Kaduna office for further questioning.” The source disclosed.

     

  • Banditry: IGP assures North West, Central of adequate security

    The Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu has assured the people of North West and North Central Nigeria that the Force would bring the incessant banditry attacks in the areas to a permanent end.

    The IG said the Police is working in collaboration with the Military and other security agencies to curb the menace.

    The Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba in a statement in Abuja said the IG  gave the assurance on Monday during an on-the-spot security assessment of the areas affected.

    The IGP, who commiserated with the people over the attacks, equally called for increased supports from the community for the Security Forces deployed in their area, noting that it is only through concerted efforts of all concerned stakeholders that victory over the armed bandits can be achieved.

    Read also: Kidnappers contact Fire Service chief’s family

    Responding, the representative of the community, Mr Awalu Inusa called on the Federal Government to provide adequate funding and better logistics for the Police to enhance their performance.

    He also called for extension of the ban on mining activities to their community.

    Earlier on, the IGP visited the Emir of Birnin Gwari, HRH Dr. Zubairu Jibril Maiggwari II, where he sought the support and cooperation of the Traditional rulers in the ongoing fight against armed banditry and other crimes in the area.

  • Kidnappers contact Fire Service chief’s family

    The kidnappers of the Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau have contacted his family members, The Nation learnt on Monday.

    Musibau and six others were abducted at Iwoye along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the fire chief and others was going to Epe.

    The Nation learnt that the kidnappers had blocked the Itoikin Bridge, ambushing occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    Details of the abductors’ conversation with the Musibau’s family were not disclosed.

    Contacted, Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) told The Nation that the police don’t negotiate ransom with kidnappers.

    According to him, the Special Forces deployed by the Commissioner of Police (CP) Zubairu Muazu and the command’s Anti Kidnapping Unit are on the trail of the abductors.

    “There was a contact established, but we do not negotiate ransom with kidnappers. The Special Forces deployed by CP Zubairu Muazu are still on the trail of the kidnappers and God’s willing, we are getting closer,” Elkana said.

    The Nation learnt that there was a marathon prayer at the headquarters of the Lagos State Fire Service, Alausa for the release of the agency’s Acting Director.

    Read also: Lagos Fire Service chief, six others abducted

    The prayer, it was learnt, was replicated in all the 16 offices of the Fire Service in the state.

    “We held a special prayer for the release of our Oga this morning. The prayers were also carried out in all our offices. We couldn’t do much work because everybody was in a sober mood. We can only pray for the kidnappers to release our Oga,” a worker said.

    Meanwhile, Vice-Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area, David Odunlami has denied that his Personal Assistant was among those kidnapped.

    Speaking with The Nation last night, Odunlami said none of his two Personal Assistants was among those kidnapped.

    “As I am speaking with you, my two Personal Assistants are not involved. None of them was at the scene of the incident. I do not have any relative or anyone working in the council among those kidnapped.

    “However, we are hoping that the kidnappers will release those abducted. It is disturbing and worrisome,” he said.

    According to the police, those abducted include Rasaki Musibau, Mufutau Adams, Funmilayo Adelumo, Asiogu Martha, Lasisi Muka and two others.

    Vehicles recovered from the scene include Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel Jeep.

  • I’m leaving behind a viable, secured Imo – Okorocha

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha of says he is leaving behind a viable and secured state.

    Okorocha said this when he received the New Commander, 34 Field Artillery Brigade of Nigerian Army, Obinze, Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Tukura who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House Owerri, on Monday.

    According to Okorocha, his administration in the state from 2011 to 2019 saw to the disappearance of vices such as kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, baby factories and militancy.

    He added he would not be happy to hear that these crimes are back in the state after leaving office.

    The governor also explained that he would be going to the senate to pursue the policy of free education so that children of the poorest in the society would have hope of survival in Nigeria.

    He also promised to rebuild what he described as the political bridge that would link the South-East with the rest of Nigeria.

    “We have enjoyed a very good working relationship with all the past army commanders and we are hopeful it will continue.

    “I will use the opportunity in the senate to rebuild the political bridge that has linked the South East with the rest of Nigeria.

    Read also: Why I want to go to Senate, by Okorocha

    “The political bridge is somehow faulty and it is dutifully incumbent on me to rebuild it so that Igbo people will play a recognised role in the politics of Nigeria. I will also promote the course of ordinary Nigerians,’’ he said.

    Tukura said the visit is to inform the governor that he has assumed the command of the brigade, and to familiarise himself with him.

    He added that he was in the state in 2011 and he is back in 2019, while commending the governor for the transformation that has taken place in the state between 2011 and 2019.(NAN)

     

  • Fashola suspends National Housing Project, Gwagwalada

    The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has ordered the immediate suspension of work at the Abuja National Housing project in Gwagwalada, FCT.

    Fashola gave the order during the inspection of the ongoing Abuja Mass Housing project in Gwagwalada, on Monday.

    The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had written “Stop Work Inscriptions’’ on buildings at the construction site.

    He said the suspension became necessary in order to settle any development control issues with the ministry and FCDA through due process.

    “As you can see, there are Development Control inscriptions on the buildings and it means there are development issues by the FCDA.

    “My staff tell me that the issue has been resolved, but I also respect the law that says every development control restriction inscriptions must be complied with.

    “So I am not going into that building; and I have ordered the head of unit here to stop work immediately until these inscriptions are removed and I see documents to that effect.

    “This is one of the many ways that we can begin to take our laws seriously because this is a government development project and we need to respect the laws we make,’’ Fashola said.

    Read also: FG to create employment, reduce poverty via maintenance culture -Fashola

    The minister said that the construction of the mass housing project was ongoing in 33 states across the country where lands had been made available.

    He stated that aside from artisans involved in the project, contractors were engaged in the pilot scheme to deliver quality work.

    “The last time I was here, I was satisfied with the quality of work and I saw carpenters that were seriously engaged in the construction work.

    “That is what the Federal Government wants to achieve; to use housing schemes to stimulate employment in the country.

    “The Federal Mortgage site is a different concept entirely, they do not only lend money, but help you to build for people who want to pay rent,’’ Fashola added.

  • Mass protest in Birnin-Gwari over killings

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu have visited Kakangi village in Birnin-Gwari local government area where several people, including two policemen were killed some 48 hours ago.
     
    Their visit coincided with massive protests by over 200 indigines of Birnin Gwari over incessant killings and unabated kidnapping in the area.
     
    Five people, including two policemen, were killed by the armed bandits in the attack on Kakangi community on Saturday.
    The bandits who invaded the village on a motorbike also razed houses and the community’s market.

    Read also: Police kill three bandits in fresh Kaduna village attack

     
    The protesters stormed the streets, chanting killings and kidnapping in the area must be brought to an end.
    Some of the placards carried by the protesters read: “we want peace, stop killings of innocent people of Birnin Gwari“, “Mr. President, we need your special intervention“, “stop the killings, El-Rufai respond” among others.
    The IGP later met with the Emir of Birnin-Gwari, Alhaji Zubair Jibril Maigwari and elders of Birnin-Gwari.
    The Acting Inspector General visited the area to personally access the security situation and meet the stakeholders in the area.
     El-Rufai went to Kakangi village, which was attacked on Saturday.
    Accompanied on the tour of the scene by some government officials and security heads, El-Rufai described the attack as inhuman and ungodly.
    The Governor assured the residents of his government’s commitment to restoring peace and security to the area and other troubled parts of the state.
    The governor also visited those injured during the attack at the hospital to commiserate with them over the unfortunate incident.

  • PDP is bad loser, says Ganduje

    Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has described the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as bad loser in elections.

    The governor, however, said he is ready to meet the party at the Election Petitions Tribunal.

    He spoke with State House correspondents at the weekend after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He also said that there was jubilation in Kano State when he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after the Supplementary elections.

    The whole state, he noted, has also been peaceful since his victory.

    He assured that his second tenure will favour the people.

    He said, “I came to consult with the Chief of Staff that Kano is peaceful, people are jubilating and I am happy to inform him that everything is normal.”

    Speaking on the petition by the PDP to challenge his victory at the Election Petitions Tribunal, he said that it was common for the PDP to go to tribunal.

    “Well we are waiting for them; we know that they are not good losers anyway. So, it is common to go to the tribunal, we are ready to meet them because the first election they committed a lot of fraud, a lot of irregularities and the Supplementary election was fair and free.

    “It was carried out in 28 local government areas, they didn’t win a single local government out of the 28, so that is paining them a lot. So we are ready to go to the tribunal.”

    On his blue print in the next four years, he said, “The next four years is going to be a very interesting four years because we are going to consolidate on what we have achieved so far.

    “In particular we see what we can do in order to make education is free, affordable and also to ensure that girl education is being given prominence.

    Read also: PDP blackmailing Supreme Court, APC alleges

    “Of course, agriculture is another issue that we must take the state to another level. So far we have done a lot and the production of rice is now we feed ourselves. We are happy Mr. President has stopped the importation of rice into the country and farmers are very happy.

    “What is existing now is agric mechanisation; we can see what we can do so that our farmers can achieve maximum production with ease.”

    On how reassuring his second term will be in terms of holding unto his promises to the people of Kano state, he said that he was taking the state to the next level.

    He said, “Our first term is very successful, if you go to Kano you will see how we have changed the face of Kano and in terms of youths empowerment we have also done very well we have even built multi billion naira ultra-modern skill acquisition centre in Kano.

    “Very soon, Mr. President will go and commission it. So as I told you that we are taking Kano State in the next four years to next level,” he stated.

  • PDP calls on N/Assembly to probe FG’s N24.3 trn debt profile

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised questions over Federal Government’s “unwholesome” borrowings amounting to N24.38 trillion debts, from 2015 debt stock of N12.12 trillion.

    Revelations on the government’s current debt profile were contained in a report released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) last week, prompting the PDP to call on the National Assembly to investigate how the monies were spent.

    In a statement Monday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the main opposition party blamed the Buhari administration for what it described as saddening and devastating debt overhang on the nation.

    According to the PDP, the rising debt profile was a product of the government’s manifest incompetence and lack of initiative to stimulate and run a productive economy.

    It blamed the administration for its reliance on heavy borrowings and unbearable tax regimes, which the party said have crippled productivity, caused untold hardship and mortgaged the economic future of the nation.

    The PDP said there has been a culture of unexplained borrowings leading to a steep rise in the debt stock from N17.5 trillion in 2016 to N21.72 trillion 2017, rising to N24.387 trillion in 2018.

    The PDP said, “It is shocking and completely insupportable that our nation’s debt had risen from N21.72 trillion in December 2017 to N24.387 trillion in December 2018, showing an accumulation of a whopping N2.66 trillion in a space of one year.

    Read also: PDP blackmailing Supreme Court, APC alleges

    “President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, therefore, has a huge explanation to make to Nigerians for its borrowing spree, especially as it cannot point to any meaningful development project into which the borrowed funds were invested.

    “This is particularly against the backdrop of allegations in the public space that the borrowed funds, which were taken as development funds, were diverted to 2019 general elections campaign activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a huge part of which ended in private pockets of corrupt APC leaders.

    “This is in addition to direct frittering of public funds through the alleged N1.4 trillion sleazy oil subsidy regime, the looted N9 trillion detailed in the leaked NNPC memo, the alleged N33 billion fraud in the handling of funds meant for the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East, among other sleazes”.

    The party called on the National Assembly to commence a system-wide investigation into the borrowings by the administration, particularly the terms of the borrowing and the handling of the funds.

    It charged the federal legislature to save the future of the nation by restricting the Buhari administration from taking further loans on behalf of the country until explanations are provided on the terms and handling of the borrowed funds.

    “Nigerians cannot afford to continue to bear the burden of an incompetent and insensitive administration and that is why they eagerly await the retrieval of our stolen mandate at the presidential election petition tribunal”, the statement added.