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  • Residents groan over poor state of Kuje-Gwagwalada road

    Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, is said to be one of the fasted growing capital cities in the world. With this description, one would have thought that residents of the city would have experienced an Eldorado. But, GBENGA OMOKHUNU writes that contrary to expectations, residents of this ‘flourishing’ city complain of experiencing the worst of times, especially in the areas of infrastructure.

    Good road is one of the most important basic amenities any government, federal, state or local, should be proud of and cherish. Abuja city, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) since its creation in 1976, has grown tremendously in all dimensions, possessing one of the best infrastructure in the world. Yet, most of its satellite towns seem to be abandoned.

    According to the United Nations (UN), Abuja is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and the fastest growing city on the African continent.

    The city is divided into six area councils, namely, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Gwagwalada, Abaji, Kuje, Bwari and Kwali. There are also areas designated as satellite towns. These include Kusaki/Yanga, Kuje, Rubochi, Anagada, Dobi, Gwagwalada, Zuba, Dei-Dei, Karshi, Gosa, Karu, Nyanya, Kubwa, Bwari, Abaji, Kwali, among others. The six area councils are linked to one another by a road network that has been crying for maintenance as population in the settlements keeps growing by the day.

    Findings revealed that one of the reasons for the creation of the satellite towns was to facilitate development in the various satellite towns with the territory. However, while development is concentrated mainly in the city centre such as Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki and others, the satellite towns are left with decayed infrastructure.

    While government is busy focusing on the city centre, there is no gainsaying the fact that majority of Abuja residents live in these satellite towns, with next to nothing in terms of infrastructure.

    Major roads leading to most of the local councils, which form the headquarters of the satellite towns, are deplorable, while most of the roads in the various settlements are not motorable. The rainy season has made the conditions of the roads practically impassable, even for motorcycles.

    One of such councils is Kuje, which is the headquarters of the Kuje Area Council. Located about 40 kilometres southwest of the main city, it has an area of 1,644 km² and a population of 97,367 at the 2006 census. Currently, Kuchiyako is the most developed area in Kuje.

    Without mincing words, the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road has become death trap for motorists. Almost all the segments of the roads are in deplorable state at present.

    Findings also revealed that no major repairs have been carried out on the major road since it was constructed during the Shehu Shagari administration, over 30-years ago.

    Some Kuje residents, especially those that own cars who spoke with Abuja Review lamented bitterly over the deplorable state of the road.

    According to them, the dilapidated roads had hindered the growth and development of economic and social activities in the area.

    It is also a known fact that no week passes without fatal accidents occurring on the road, due mainly to several potholes and gullies spread across different patches of the fast-deteriorating road.

    Mr. Odili Okoli, a resident of Low Cost Housing Estate at Kuje, said for decades, residents have been battling the bad state of the roads among other basic amenities.

    His words: “This is the major road linking Kuje to the town and we have approached the council severally on the need to get it rehabilitated to ease movement. The entire road is always flooded when it rains and we find it difficult to use the road during rainy season because potholes are covered with water thereby making it even difficult to manage your vehicle.

    “We are appealing to the authorities to come to our aid; they should get the roads rehabilitated to ease our sufferings”.

    Another resident of the area, Mr. Ibrahim Shittu said if the roads were rehabilitated, it would ease movements and enhance rapid development in the area.

    He said: “We have approached government on the need to either grade the road or get it rehabilitated to ease movements and yet nothing has been done. The most painful part is that this road we are talking about also leads to the area council secretariat and yet the roads have been abandoned. We are appealing to government through the area council to come to our aid and get the road rehabilitated in the interest of fairness.

    “It is sad that almost on a regular basis, especially now that the rains are here; several people are always seen on the road patching some parts of the road with sand and use that as a yardstick to beg motorists for money.

    “The fear now is that some of the bad eggs in the society may start leveraging on that to rob motorists, especially at night”.

    Also, another resident, Mrs. Omolola Adeola decried the lack of basic social amenities in the area, adding that government has totally forgotten about their welfare.

    She said the road linking the area has been in a terrible condition for long, despite efforts to make it motorable, noting that the situation gets worse once it rains. She called on the government to expedite actions to tar the road for the benefit of the residents who are mostly low income earners.

    “Our problems here are many. We have no good road. When it rains, the road becomes a mess with portholes as death traps and when it dries, everywhere becomes dusty”, Mrs. Adeola added.

    A commuter, Samuel Ode told our correspondent that though the government ought to provide basic social amenities for its citizens, the reverse is the case as residents struggle and sometimes pay extra to fix some bad patches of the road.

    He lamented that the worse is the hike in transport fare by commuter vehicles plying the various locations leading to Kuje town, including the ones plying the city centre from Kuje.

    Ode said the residents have to trek some distance due to the refusal of commercial motorcyclists to ply the road once it rains.

    He said: “We in Kuje are suffering, we do not have good road network and this is not a good development. There is not one day that goes by without us hearing about an accident somewhere. When I get into my car in the morning, I actually feel anxious and I pray that I reach my destination safely. The roads have become a death trap that we all face on a daily basis.

    “Just last week, there were two horrific accidents within a 20 kilometre radius of where I live and these are only the ones I know of. I would bet there were more.

    One of the accidents I am referring to was caused by a commercial driver who made a turn to avoid a pothole. The other was the accident that tragically claimed the life of a passenger.

    “I think the government and law enforcement agencies need to be more proactive in solving this problem. People are so frustrated with the potholes and traffic congestion that they become inconsiderate on the road because they are rushing to get to where they want to be”.

    What went wrong with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of the road? Has government abandoned the Kuje-Gwagwalada road to continue to depreciate and claim more lives?

    When contacted, the Director of Satellite Towns Development Department, (STDD), Mr. Felix Nwanko, explained that it is the Engineering Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority, (FCDA) that is responsible for the maintenance of the road.

    Nwanko, whose department is only responsible for road network with the area councils, said: “The road is what we call FCT 105, and it is FCDA Department of Engineering Services that is handling it. It is a primary highway. I know they are doing procurement on it. I know they have done the technical bid, remaining the financial bid. The design is there, it is just to make sure that it is captured in the budget”.

    Findings also revealed that government is planning to convert the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road to a dual carriage way.

    All efforts to speak with the Director of Engineering Services, on the budget proposal for the dualisation the road were futile as he was said to be busy with official engagements.

    But the FCDA Senior Media Officer, Mr. Richard Ndu, told Abuja Review that funding has been the reason the road is in a bad state.

    Ndu, who did not reveal the proposed budget, said the dualisation of the road will commence immediately the 2019 Budget is passed.

    His words: “I can confirm to you that the road is in the 2019 Budget as a dual carriage way. As soon as the budget is approved, the contract will be awarded and work will commence. It was one of those roads that STDA constructed around the 80s. So, it is going to be full scope dual carriage way. You know we are constructing this Wasa to Gwagwalada Road and it is also going to go as far as that. But in this contract, it will terminate at Kuje.

    “You know because of funding, which has been the problem because we know that with the dualisation of that road, it will open up Kuje, so that, more people can live there. It is even very close to the airport. So, that is the essence of the dual carriage way that we want to do.

    “We would have done the repairs and also the dual carriage way before now but because of funding constraints. Since that time, may be there have been some repairs but now we are sure we are going to turn the road to a dual carriage way. You know the process will also involve the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and once that is done, the contract will be awarded. I will not be able to say how much has been budgeted for the road for now”.

    Findings also revealed that this is not the first time budgetary provision is being made to turn the road to a dual carriage way. It was included in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 budgets but was not approved by the National Assembly.

    It is the hope of the generality of Kuje residents that this time around, the construction and rehabilitation of the road will be approved by the authorities concerned.

  • Female accountants seek support

    A female professional group, Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for increased support for female chartered accountants in  the country.

    Its Chairperson, Mrs Felicia Bamgbose said collective action is needed for women in the profession to thrive.

    She spoke in Lagos during this year’s Presidential Luncheon of the 55th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mazi Okwuadigbo, orgnaised by SWAN.

    According to Mrs Bamgbose, such support would enable women in the profession to diversify their   accounting skills to thrive in other sectors successfully.

    She said the group continue to  empower its members, adding that their well being is its priority.

    “SWAN, the female wing of ICAN is capable of meeting the expectation of the over 11000 female chartered accountants in Nigeria. Our objective is to advance the interests of female chartered accountants as well as to promote and maintain high standards of efficiency and professional conduct among members.”

    She said the SWAN has become a force to reckon with, not only at Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) but the country at large.

    She said that they  have lived up to their professional responsibility and also contributed to capacity building for female chartered accountants through the various schlorahip awards and other Coporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).

    She urged members of the group to explore and invest in other sectors they are talented in, noting that such diversification would enable them have a secured future.

    She lamented that some of the members of the group do not have jobs, but advised that they should not sit down doing nothing with their professional skills, but should venture into other areas of life.

  • ‘Sanwo-Olu will meet people’s expectation’

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) member Dr. Oluyomi Finnih, in this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, speaks on the zoning controversy, the challenges before the Sanwo-Olu administration and how the governor is tackling them, and other issues.

    How do you feel over Buhari’s victory at the tribunal?

    President Muhammadu Buhari won that election point blank. I am very delighted that we won at the tribunal. To that extent, all that we need to do is to move the nation forward without going to the Supreme Court. It is certain any further litigation will cause some distractions to the progress of the country. So, it will not be wise to spend useful time on court cases. I think we should think of how to make the country better, instead of further engagement in court cases.

    Do you expect Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to appeal the judgment?

    I am not a lawyer, but based on evidences before the tribunal, which I equally followed, there is nothing to be achieved beyond dragging the matter unnecessarily. To me, it is unnecessary and if Atiku Abubakar still has the ambition of ruling, he should look beyond now and project into 2023. He should look forward and stop looking at what happened in 2019. As far as I am concerned, the 2019 election has been won and lost. He should accept it and look forward.

    What is your view on zoning presidency?

    The country is a conglomeration of nationalities and the constitution recognises the different ethnic nationalities. That is why we have institutions like the Federal Character Commission and others. They will cater for every interest and make everybody have sense of belonging. Now, if the party has agreed that the presidency will be rotational, it has to be followed. And if from all indications, the choice of the next President is outside the Northern zone and it should be the turn of the Southwest in 2023, why not? Anybody arguing against that is not fair to the party, the nation and the politicians.

    How will you assess the performance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his first 100 days?

    You must understand that politics in this country is often etched on mudslinging and character assassination. Government has enumerated what it has done within 100 days. I am sure government has published all it had done. And that is why we, GAC members, are there to advied the governor. And from all records, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has done well. The PDP is just playing politics because what the government had done is in public domain. I don’t think it is right to start criticising, when available records showed performance. If you don’t feel like commending the administration, why don’t you keep your mouth shut? When you look at what he is doing at Apapa road, the clearing of drainage system and canals and roads rehabilitation, you will actually see that work had been done. Again, how can you start judging someone within 100 days in office? Honestly, what the man had done so far is quite commendable and government is doing very well from all indications. Quite honestly, the foundation for performance had been laid, we saw what Asiwaju Bola Tinubu put in place, what Fashola and Ambode put in place, I must say that development has been so rapid. I have no doubt that things are happening greatly in Lagos and it would move faster in due course. I have no doubt that at the end of the day; Lagosians will have reasons to celebrate.

    Do you think Lagos State governor is running an inclusive administration?

    I know there have been some background grumblings, but the truth is that you cannot transfer whatever aggression you have to another person. Politicians have quite a lot to give because it is not what it used to be. Nobody is exempted from the present administrations. And let us face it, if for instance in Lagos, where we have 25 million people and we want to choose 45 people as commissioners and special advisers, you must have a choice. You cannot please everybody because if you want to please everybody then you will not form your cabinet. I believe this is one of the problems facing some states in picking thier cabinet. They do not want to offend some people in the choice of picking cabinet, but not all will make the cabinet. That is what leadership is all about you must be ready to take decisions.

    Do you think Lagos State House of Assembly should probe former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode?

    It was not that Ambode was not allowed to contest, but it was that he was not allowed to enjoy automatic ticket. He had the opportunity to contest, he did contest and to that extent, it was the choice of the people that won. I am sure to that extend, he was satisfied that he lost the primary. So, whatever that was in the paper that the assembly is opening his file, I have not bothered to ask.

    Do you think the present administration will live up to the expectation of Lagos residents?  

    As it is today, I believe that government is moving quite greatly. So far, he has shown signs of greatness to our party. He has taken  grassroot development as part of his responsibilities and has been consulting as well. These are some of the things that were problematic during the last administration because no matter how busy you are as governor, you have got people to deal with. So, you must mix with them and it is as simple as that. I believe the present governor has learnt a lot of lessons from the past administration.

    Why did Ambode fail to get a second term?

    That is certainly incorrect. At this level, what do you expect any governor to give to me? People have a way of interpreting things, it is important to know that there was a primary election and if he lost at the primary that is not the responsibilities of elders of the party. He has the opportunity of contesting and nobody stops anybody from voting for Ambode. If he lost the primary, it was simply the case of choice. Again, at no time were our followers complained against what happened. So, the GAC members did not remove Ambode from being the governor.  Perhaps it would not be fair for us to give automatic ticket because members are clamouring for internal democracy. There should no longer be imposition, let people go and contest their primary and if people are satisfied this way, so let it be. Everybody is talking about internal democracy and it is important that we listen to what the people are saying.

     

  • Senate increases budget to N10.729trn

    The Senate on Thursday passed the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) submitted to it by President Muhammadu Buhari last week.

    This followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senator Solomon Adeola-led Senate Committee on Finance by the Red Chamber in Abuja.
    The upper chamber increased the proposed nation’s budget for 2020 from N10.002tn to N10.729.4 tn
    The Senate also increased the oil benchmark from $55 per barrel to $57 per barrel, representing a $2 increase.

    The Senate also increased the 2020 revenue target by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by N557.4billion, that is, from N942.6 billion to N1.5trillion.

    It however retained the exchange rate at N305 per dollar and oil production benchmark at 2.18mbpd as proposed in the MTEF/FSP by the executive.

    The Committee also recommended the adoption of N1.5 trillion as the amount for new borrowing by the Federal Government in 2020, as a result of reduction of N200 billion which was sourced from the increase of revenue target of the Nigeria Custom Service.

    The Committee further called for an urgent review and amendment to the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA Act) and the various laws of the revenue generating agencies to align with current realities.

    This information form part of the recommendations of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance report on 2020-2022 MTEF/FSP which was considered by the Senate in Abuja on Thursday.

    Read Also:  Senate passes MTEF/FSP

    The Committee’s recommendations which were approved by the Senate are as follows:

    “Following intensive engagement with NNPC and relevant information obtained during the session, the Committee recommends the adoption of 2.18mbpd as daily production output in 2020. In view of concerted effort by NNPC and security agencies the menaces of oil theft and vandalization, the 2.18mbpd would be realizable.

    “The Committee recommends the adoption of $57/barrel as crude oil benchmark price for the fiscal ear 2020.

    “The revenue target of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of N942.6 billion for 2020 should be increased to N1.5 trillion, as a result of the performance of NSC in last 9 months with 3 months still outstanding.

    “The NCS revenue as at September stood at N1 trillion against the budget figure of N969. 8 billion for the year 2019. The Joint Committee commends the NCS for exceeding the targeted revenue despite the global economic challenges and closure of the Nigerian boarders.

    “The sum of N557.4 billion from the revenue increment of NCS be used to reduce borrowing by N200 billion and increase capital expenditure thereby decreasing the size of the budget deficit from N1.7 trillion to N1.5 trillion and also increase the total capital available to MDA by N357 billion, from N1.01 trillion to N1.367 triilion.

    “The exchange rate of N305/$ should be maintained for economic stability. While more work should done by the Honourable Minister of Finance and all economic advisers and her team on improving the economic growth by increasing the GDP and reducing the inflation rate to single digit.

    “The saving on income accruing from the increase of the benchmark amounting to N172 billion which represent the Federal government potion of the $2 added to the benchmark be used to pay salaries and emolument of the proposed 30,000 new employees.

    “Proper investigation be carried out on the e-collection stamp duties domicile with Central Bank of Nigeria for the past years so as to show probity and accountability and of course increase the revenue base of the country.

    “Immediate amendment of the National Assembly Act on Production sharing Contracts (PSC) with lOCs. Proper investigation be carried out on NNPC so as to ascertain the actual cost associated with the Joint Venture agreements.

    “More Government Owned Enterprises budget be added to the nation’s budget to ensure proper checks and balances among all Federal Government agencies.

    “Debt Management office (DMO) should put more efforts and strategies in managing the foreign and local debts.

    “Total estimated expenditure of the Federal Government should be increased from N10.002 trillion to N10,729.4trillion.

    “National Assembly should expedite action on the passage of the finance bill which will be brought along with the National Budget into Law for easy implementation of the 2020 budget, most especially in the area of VAT.

    “The Committee calls for an urgent review/amendment to the FRA Act and the various Laws of the revenue generating agencies to align with current realities.

    “The Committee recommends earmarking 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to be classified as Statutory Transfer.

    “The Committee recommends the adoption of N1.5 trillion as the amount for New Borrowing as a result of reduction of N200 billion which was sourced from the increase of revenue target of the Nigeria Custom Service.

    “However borrowing must be project tied. ln borrowing more government must remain focused and ensure that it used to fund critical projects that will increase productivity and contribute to finance financing such debt.”

  • 12 banks to pay N499b CBN fine for loan policy breach

    For breaching its guidelines on lending to the real sector of the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has fined 12 major banks N499.1billion.

    According to an approved debit instruction, the affected banks and the amount they will pay are: Citibank (N100,743,055, 321); First Bank of Nigeria (N74,668,880,480); FBNQuest Merchant Bank (N2, 697,456,144); First City Monument Bank (FCMB), (N14, 371,064, 742) and Guaranty Trust Bank (N25, 147, 933, 628).

    Others are Jaiz Bank (N7, 525, 165,552); Keystone Bank (N4, 162, 938, 879); Rand Merchant Bank (N2, 823,177,399); Standard Chartered Bank (N30,027,137,984); SunTrust Bank (N1,703,205,427); United Bank for Africa (N99,676,181,916) and Zenith Bank (N135,629,337,625).

    The banks will lose the money at source from their Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) with the CBN.

    The CRR is a portion of the banks’ deposits kept with the CBN for regulatory reasons.

    Read Also: Ripples over CBN’s cashless policy

    The apex bank, on July 3, 2019, directed banks to maintain a minimum Loan Deposit Ratio (LDR) of 60 per cent by September 30, 2019.

    The LDR, which was being reviewed quarterly to improve lending to the real sector, was 58.5 per cent as at May.

    It has now been raised to 65 per cent for the last quarter of the year.

    A CBN circular: “Regulatory Measures to Improve Lending to the Real Sector of the Nigerian Economy,” says in order to ramp up economic growth through investment in real sector, the CBN approved that all banks should maintain a minimum LDR of 60 per cent by September 30.

    Based on the guidelines, failure to meet the minimum loan to deposit ratio of 60 per cent by October 1 would attract a levy of fine which is additional CRR equal to 50 per cent of the lending shortfall of the target.

    Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele had said that banks that fail to meet its directive on the 60 per cent LDR would be penalised at the expiration of the deadline.

    “Failure to meet the above minimum LDR by the specified date shall result in levy or additional Cash Reserve Requirement equal to 50 per cent of the lending shortfall of the target,” CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Ahmad Abdullahi, said in the July 3 circular.

    The LDR policy is expected to push banks to increase lending to high risk-borrowers, with the potential of incurring heavy losses and higher non-performing loans.

    To encourage SMEs, retail, mortgage and consumer lending, these sectors shall be assigned a weight of 150 per cent in computing LDR for this purpose.

  • Boko Haram: Army releases 25 children from administrative custody

    The Nigerian army has released 25 children from administrative custody after been cleared of suspected ties with armed groups.

    Twenty-three boys and two girls were released on Thursday 3rd October according to a statement by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)

    According to the statement signed by UNICEF Communication expert, Dr. Geoffrey Njoku, this brings the number of children released this year to 44.

    “These are children taken away from their families and communities, deprived of their childhood, education, health-care, and of the chance to grow up in a safe and enabling environment.

    “UNICEF will continue working to ensure that all conflict affected children are reunited with their families, have hope of fulfilling their dreams and their human rights,” said UNICEF Nigeria Acting Representative Pernille Ironside.

    The children, UNICEF said, have been handed over to the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and will be kept at a UNICEF supported Transit Centre whilst efforts to reunite them with their families and reintegrate them back to their communities are underway.

    Read Also: NIFROP lauds Army on spiritual warfare seminar to defeat Boko Haram

    “They will access medical and psychosocial support, education, vocational training and informal apprenticeships, and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

    “We have made progress, but we would like to see all children suspected of involvement with armed groups, transferred out of military custody to the care of the relevant local authorities as quickly as possible to facilitate their return to their families and communities, spending minimal, if any, time in detention. “As we commemorate the 30th Anniversary for the Convention of the Rights of the Child this year, we must collectively commit to do more for the protection, well-being and development of children in Nigeria, including by ensuring that they are not recruited or used in conflicts in the first place,” said Ironside.

    Since 2016, a total of 2,499 people including 1,627 children have been cleared of association with non-state armed groups. UNICEF and partners continue to provide age and gender appropriate community-based reintegration support services to all affected children and other vulnerable children in communities that are at risk of recruitment by armed groups.

  • Ekiti most neglected state in Nigeria, says Afe Babalola

    The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has said Ekiti had been neglected by the Federal Government in the provision of critical infrastructure for the socio-economic development of the state.

    He said the sorry state of infrastructure had impacted negatively on the socio-economic landscape of the state, adding that it had made the state unattractive to investors.

    The legal icon said the event leading to the collapse of the bridge linking Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, with his university and the Federal Polytechnic in the town was a testimony that the state had been grossly overwhelmed by infrastructure deficits.

    Babalola, who described Ekiti as the most neglected state in the country, expressed concern over the collapse of the bridge after a downpour which claimed one live.

    The Ureje Bridge on Ado-ABUAD-Ikare road was flooded last Monday and collapsed.

    A man who attempted to navigate the water got drowned in the deluge.

    Several commuters entering and leaving Ado-Ekiti were stranded for several hours between 7 p.m on Monday till noon on Tuesday, following the collapse of the bridge.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, Babalola attributed the collapse to the negligence of the government.

    The legal icon said his efforts to make the Federal and state governments rebuild the bridge on Ureje River did not yield results.

    He said: “For the past nine years, I have been maintaining that road. But this year, after series of letters, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) wrote to me that they had awarded the road to a contractor, and I have been following the contractor day and night.

    “What I know, which is true, is that the contactor has done more damage to the road than helping us. I wrote about the bridge to all those concerned: the Federal Ministry of Works and copy the President. I also wrote letters to Governor Kayode Fayemi because I knew that road was neglected by the contractor and the Federal Government.

    “Indeed, Ekiti is the most neglected state in this country. Look at the road between Ilesha and Ado-Ekiti; it was made over 20 years ago. This road – from Ado-Ekiti to Ijan to Ode to Ikare to Lokoja – was built over 100 years ago, before I was born.

    “That bridge, which you saw, was also built over 100 years ago; that narrow bridge. When I was in school, we used to trek from that place to Ogbese Tiver to cut what we called prank cane to make chairs and wooden ceilings on that route.

    “Nothing has been done to improve the bridge. I have been writing, phoning, sending text messages about that the bridge would collapse anytime. I warned all of them, including the governor, that it would collapse and that something should be done.

    “When it happened two days ago, I sent text messages to Fayemi that what I told you should not happen has happened. I also got in touch with the Minister of Works, who eventually phoned me that they were going to do something about the bridge.

    “I sent messages to monarchs and others. In the afternoon, I got a text from Fayemi that some people would come the following day to work on it. Fashola told me they were moving there immediately. I went to the bridge and I saw them working there.

    “My team of engineers had been there early in the morning. No heavy truck or vehicle should pass that place; otherwise, it will go down.

    “What we need is a new bridge and a dual carriage road from Ado-Ekiti to the university, which is only 15 kilometres. I don’t know why the road has not been repaired. I hope now that with what has happened, things will change.

    “I went through Afao to Igbemo to Iluomoba to the university. It took me about one and a half hours to get to the university on Tuesday, instead of the normal 15 minutes.”

    “Like I said, Ekiti is the most neglected state in this part of the world. Secondly, I protested in my usual way. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo did little work on the road and you can see it has not been completed.

    “Again, I was lawyer to the Federal Government. Obasanjo again worked on it from Itawure to Ado-Ekiti, a dual carriage, but since he left, it is all forest.”

    Buttressing his claim on the alleged neglect of the state, Babalola said the road from Ado-Ekiti to Akure, the Ondo State capital, was among the worst in the country.

    “What I will continue to do now is to put pressure on those responsible and in authority for us to have good infrastructures. This is because without good infrastructure, nobody can come to the university. You know we are suffering here,” he said.

  • Minimum wage: Labour gives Fed Govt Oct 16 ultimatum

    Labour on Wednesday gave the Federal Government an October 16 ultimatum to resolve all issues surrounding the consequential adjustment of salaries for the implementation of the minimum wage.

    Its leadership, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) threatened to call their members out for industrial action if the government failed to act at the expiration of the two-week ultimatum.

    The decision was contained in a communique issued after the leadership was briefed at the Labour House, Abuja, by members of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC).

    The commuque was signed by NLC President Ayuba Wabba, his TUC counterpart Quadri Olaleye, JNPSNC Chairman, Simon Anchaver and Secretary Alade Bashir Lawal.

    Read Also: ‘States attaching conditions to minimum wage implementation’

    The unionists said they cannot guarantee industrial harmony if their demands are not met at the close of work on October16.

    The union rejected the government offer for salary adjustment of 11 per cent for workers on grade level 07-14 and 6.5 per cent consequential increase for workers on grade level 15 – 17.

    The communique reads: “We view the position of the government as a show of insensitivity to the plight of workers and an attempt to collect with the left hand what government had offered with the right hand.

    “We demand the reconvening of the meeting of the committee negotiating the consequential adjustment with a view to concluding the process that started on the 28th of May, 2019 within one week.”

    “Entering into an agreement with labour to the effect that salary of officers on grade 07-14 should be reviewed upward by 29 per cent while that of officers on grade level 15-17 should be reviewed upwards by 24 per cent and commence immediate implementation of the signed agreement on consequential adjustment of public workers’ salaries with effect from 18th of April 2019 when the new national minimum wage of N30, 000 per month was signed into law.”

    The unions said that negotiations for the consequential adjustment of wages dragged unduly because of “the nonchalant attitude of the government negotiating side”, adding that workers have exercised tremendous patience and restraint already.

    According to the union, “in the course of negotiations for consequential salary adjustment, organised labour had to moderate its initial position of having 66.6 per cent upward salary adjustment for workers on salary grade level 07 – 17 by accepting an upward adjustment of 29 per cent for officers on salary level 07-14 and 24 per cent adjustment for officers on salary grade level 15 – 17.

    “Despite this patriotic gesture, government has kept insisting that it can only pay 11 per cent for officers on grade level 07 – 14 and 6.5 per cent consequential wage increase to public workers for officers on level 15-17.”

    Yesterday’s meeting was convened to receive briefing from the JNPSNC and to discuss the way forward on the deadlock in negotiations for consequential salary adjustment for public sector workers following arising enactment of the new national minimum wage of N30,000.

  • Gunmen kill man, girlfriend

    Two persons have been reportedly killed by gunmen in Iyara community in Warri South council area of Delta state.

    The deceased are identified as one Mr. Kebi and his girlfriend.

    The Nation gathered that the arm- wielding hoodlums stormed the Warri suburb at about 6pm on Wednesday, shooting sporadically for approximately 30 minutes.

    A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, further alleged that shooting is connected to murder of a man the previous day at Morogun Junction, in the same locality.

    He added that several people sustained injuries due to the shootings.

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    “Yesterday night, some boys killed a man in Morogun Junction near Iyara area. Today, another set of boys just entered Iyara by 6pm through the popular Akara Junction with powerful guns, shooting sporadically.

    “They came shooting for the revenge of the man that was killed yesterday at Morogun Junction.

    “They killed a boy Mr Kebi and his girlfriend and injured many. Many people are with bullet wounds as we speak now,” the source stated.

    The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident.

    Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeleke Adeyinka said, “two persons were killed, and not four persons,” rumoured to have been killed in the attack.

  • Nigeria’s crime profile is declining, says IGP

    Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, says the national crime profile of the country has continued to decline in relation to the previous quarters.

    Adamu said in Abuja that this trend is indicative of the effectiveness of policing strategies which are based on community partnership practices, application of cutting-edge policing technologies and crime management solutions, the engagement and integration of intelligence-led policing standards to their functions at all operational and investigative levels, and an enhanced inter-agency collaboration orientation.

    Speaking during a conference with senior police officers at the IGP Conference Hall at the Force Headquarters on Thursday, Adamu said in furtherance of this, the trust gap between the citizens and the Police have been significantly narrowed and the bond to fight and reclaim communities from criminals who are our common enemies has been strengthened.

    The IGP said in addition, the commitment and capacity of the Nigeria Police to re-dominate the public space and deny criminals the liberty to manifest their heinous crimes has been appreciably boosted.

    “In consequence, between August 2019 to date, a total of one thousand, one hundred and fifty-one (1,151) high profile suspects have been arrested nationwide. This includes four hundred and seventy (470) armed robbery suspects; two hundred and sixteen (216) kidnap suspects; three hundred and thirty-five (335) suspected cultists, and one hundred and thirty (130) murder suspects.

    “Furthermore, two hundred and twenty-eight (228) firearms of various descriptions and calibre were recovered in various police operations across the country within the same period. Aside this, two hundred and thirty-one (231) kidnapped victims have been safely rescued and reunited with their families while seventy-five (75) stolen vehicles were also recovered from criminal elements,” he said.

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    The monthly Conference had strategic police managers drawn from the 12 Zonal Police Commands, the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.

    Adamu said the constant engagement of senior police officers occupying strategic administrative and operational portfolios across the country has been one of his management traditions.

    “It is my firm belief that, in doing this, we shall be able to jointly re-evaluate the internal security outline of the country with a view to assessing which strategies have produced desired outcomes and those that need to be tinkered with to meet national policing requirements.

    “We are challenged by these achievements to sustain our tempo. This calls for constant re-evaluation of the dynamics of crime and the re-alignment of our strategies accordingly. In so doing, I am to note that there are still some security challenges which currently require our professional attention and which will constitute part of our discourse during this Conference. In this context, I encourage you all not to relent, but to roll up your sleeves with renewed vigour in the fight against crimes in the country.

    “The Nigeria Police under our watch, will not only continually emplace strategies that are potent enough to deal with the emerging trends of crime, we are determined to attain this mandate within the dictates of rule of law, uncompromising respect for human rights, and best global policing practices. In this regard, it will be recalled that I have at various fora confirmed our determination to adopt less-lethal approaches and equipment in our policing duties. This is with the intention of ensuring that the sacred lives of the citizens whom we swore to serve and protect are not endangered in the line of our duties.

    “It is in furtherance to this that I initiated actions towards the acquisition and deployment of electro-muscular disruption technology-based weaponry which is commonly known as Taser or Stun Guns for low-risk police operations. This is with the intention of addressing public concerns on misuse of firearms by the Police with its attendant consequences on lives and effect on the attainment of our community policing vision.

    “In addition, special training are being organised for the Special Units of the Police including the Police Mobile Force, Special Forces, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Anti-Robbery detachments, Anti-Kidnapping Squads and the Criminal Investigation Operatives. This is with the intention of equipping them with the right orientation for policing in the 21st Century and to align their operations within the expectations of the law and the citizens.

    “In order to situate our vision in this regard to the standards of democratic policing, which is hinged on the protection of fundamental human rights, it is considered expedient that Force Order 237 which defines our Rules of Engagement (RoE) be reviewed, standardised and simplified.

    “I am delighted to announce that with the support of our local and internal partners, we have successfully completed the process of reviewing the document and today, we shall be formally launching the Revised Force Order 237 (RFO) which is not only comprehensive and modernised but simplified for ease of comprehension by all members of the Force. The launch of the first two thousand (2,000) copies of the document will be undertaken in the course of this meeting.

    “We are immensely grateful to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Swiss Government, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and AIG Austin Iwar (rtd) among others who collaborated with the Nigeria Police towards achieving this feat,” he said.