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Tag: Umahi

  • Umahi to Kwankwaso: apologise to Tinubu, withdraw self-serving claims

    Umahi to Kwankwaso: apologise to Tinubu, withdraw self-serving claims

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has refuted the recent claim by former Kano Governor Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has marginalised the North in federal road infrastructure projects.

    The Minister described the allegation as “absolutely false, misleading, and self-serving.”

    He urged the former Governor to apologise to the President for misleading Nigerians and retract the unfounded statement, which he described as lacking in both fact and substance.

    Umahi also urged Kwankwaso to rely on the factual information he had provided in the interest of Nigerians and national unity.

    He further appealed to Nigerians to disregard Kwankwaso’s claims, assuring them that President Tinubu remains firmly committed to developing every part of the country with fairness, equity, and the fear of God.

    For emphasis, the Minister challenged anyone with contrary facts regarding the road projects he presented, inviting them to an open debate.

    “To my brother Senator Kwankwaso, you owe our dear President an apology and a duty to withdraw your statement using the information I have provided for the benefit of Nigerians and the unity of the nation.

    “I request the good people of Nigeria to ignore Senator Kwankwaso’s misleading statement and know that President Tinubu is evenly committed to developing every part of this country with fairness, equity, and the fear of God,” he said.

    Accusing Kwankwaso of political opportunism, the Minister said: “This statement, in my view, is part of his struggle, along with a few others, to inherit the impeccable legacy of our late President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “I consider the statement as one made out of desperation and as part of his struggle, along with a few others who believe that they can inherit the impeccable legacy of our dear late President  Muhammadu Buhari, and that the only way available for them towards achieving the same is to be divisive and pretentious. 

    “Trying to be like our late President Buhari cannot be a job of three decades and cannot be done with deceit. 

    “I think our younger generation has such a chance and it must be worked for through hard work, honesty, transparency, and commitment to the unity of our country, a legacy that our late President Buhari achieved in all his life on earth. May God continue to bless his legacies and give him a peaceful rest, Amen”.

    To counter the allegations, Umahi provided updates on major ongoing federal road projects across all six geopolitical zones, emphasizing the Northern region.

    According to him, the four legacy projects of the Tinubu administration include the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with 175km under construction; the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, with 378km ongoing in the North; the 465km Trans-Sahara Highway, with 59km under construction in Ebonyi State; and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road, measuring 439km and currently undergoing redesign to rigid pavement.

    “Out of the total length of these legacy projects, the North accounts for 52% while the South has 48%. Within the segments already under construction, the North has 756km ongoing, compared to 409km in the South,” he said.

    He added that Kebbi State alone has 316km under construction and Sokoto has 240km ongoing. In contrast, Lagos has just 220km, “Yet people only mention Lagos-Calabar and ignore the massive work in the North,” Umahi remarked.

    Providing further details, Umahi cited the 275km dualized Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria road, part of a 750km corridor being handled by four contractors at ₦824 billion, while also listing the 700km Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, valued at ₦764 billion.

    Other key Northern projects, according to the Minister, include the 256km BUA Tax Credit road spanning Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano states; the 156km Zaria-Hunkuyi road; the 49km Kano Northern Bypass; the 110km Kano-Maiduguri Section V; and various Dangote Tax Credit roads in Borno State.

    According to him, additional projects in the North include the 76km Malando road in Kebbi; the 250km Benue to 9th Mile road; and the 86km Lokoja-Okene dualization project.

    Turning to Southern Nigeria, Umahi highlighted several completed and ongoing projects, which include the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin road, and critical repairs on the Third Mainland, Eko, and Carter bridges.

    In the South East, he explained that the Enugu-Onitsha road (107km) is being funded by the MTN Tax Credit Scheme, with an additional 72km stretch undertaken by CBC, adding that the Enugu-Abakaliki road and access roads to the Second Niger Bridge are also under construction, along with the 61km Lokpanta-Enugu road.

    In the South-South, ongoing projects include the Eleme-Onne road, the Eket Bypass, East-West Road Section 2, the Nembe-Brass road, and the Bodo-Bonny road by Julius Berger.

    Umahi announced that a comprehensive list of inherited and ongoing projects would be published shortly. 

    He noted that out of the inherited Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL) Tax Credit projects, the North has 53% while the South has 47%. Of these, the South East receives only 4% and the South West 5%. “Yet the President never complained but continued funding them,” he said.

    Read Also: Presidency to Kwankwaso: Tinubu not neglecting North

    “I have been under pressure from South West stakeholders for major roads like Ibadan-Oyo, Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa, and Ore-Sagamu, but limited funding is a challenge. 

    “The Carter Bridge is so deformed it needs to be demolished. The Third Mainland Bridge is closed to heavy trucks due to underwater defects.”

    “Mr. President has continued to fund critical projects irrespective of region. These are all part of our economic corridors. I will publish details of ongoing projects above ₦20 billion next week,” Umahi said.

    Lamenting the situation, Umahi accused certain political figures of deliberately spreading falsehoods for political gain, saying, “Unfortunately, some political leaders aim only to deceive Nigerians and gain political favour instead of promoting unity.”

    The Minister, however, challenged anyone with contrary facts to an open debate, saying, “I am ready to explain further and even face a public debate to set the record straight.

    “I repeat, Senator Kwankwaso should apologize to President Tinubu and Nigerians. His claim is not backed by facts. Let the truth be known. Let us focus on building a united and developed Nigeria. The facts are there for everyone to see.”

  • Buhari: Umahi pays tribute to late president, recalls personal moments, national impact

    Buhari: Umahi pays tribute to late president, recalls personal moments, national impact

    The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man of discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to national unity and development.

    Umahi made the remarks on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, while signing the condolence register at the Federal Ministry of Works headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.

    The Minister praised the former President’s legacy, both as a former military Head of State and two-term democratically elected leader, noting that his contributions had left a lasting mark on the nation’s political and infrastructural landscape.

    “I personally believed that such a man with so much discipline, integrity, honesty, and selfless service to humanity would live up to 100 years,” Umahi said in an emotion-laden tribute.

    Recalling his personal relationship with Buhari, Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, shared fond memories of their interactions, including regular gifts of Abakaliki rice which the former President enjoyed even after leaving office. 

    “He called me and said he was missing Abakaliki rice. That’s the kind of bond we had,” the Minister recalled.

    He also expressed gratitude for Buhari’s support during his time as governor, stating, “I can’t forget how he stood by us, even when certain forces tried to stop the emergence of the present Governor of Ebonyi State. 

    “He intervened directly by calling the national chairman of our party and insisted it had to be the current Governor.”

    Umahi recounted Buhari’s memorable visit to Ebonyi State, where the former President commissioned projects from morning until late evening. 

    “While I was escorting him to his room, he joked, ‘Governor, you know how to punish someone,” Umahi said, describing the late leader as humorous and humble.

    He also praised Buhari’s selflessness, citing the renaming of the Ebonyi airport, originally named after Buhari after the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo, “That’s who he was, always thinking of others,” he said.

    Read Also: Buhari’s passing is a great national loss, Umahi mourns

    The Minister expressed deep sorrow at Buhari’s passing, describing it as a great loss to the nation. 

    He extended his condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the family and associates of the late President, and all Nigerians.

    Umahi also commended President Tinubu for the respect and recognition he accorded his predecessor. 

    “President Buhari himself acknowledged during the second-year anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration that the current President helped him to actualize his destiny of becoming Nigeria’s leader,” he noted.

    He prayed for fortitude for all Nigerians to bear the loss, saying the former President would be deeply missed.

  • Lagos-Calabar highway: Umahi confirms investor interest, sets December target

    Lagos-Calabar highway: Umahi confirms investor interest, sets December target

    A number of financial institutions have shown eagerness to participate in execution of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and similar landmark road projects of the Federal Government.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made the disclosure while addressing journalists after inspecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and some bridges in Lagos.

    “I have had meetings with a lot of financial institutions, and they are very eager to participate.

    “We are doing everything to complete Section 1 by December and have it approved, and that will open a floodgate for other financial aids.

    “One thing that I must commend the President for and, of course, beat my chest and say glory be to God, is that the international funders came and they saw the quantum of the job we are doing.

    “That, for me, is a pass mark,” Umahi said.

    Read Also: Lagos-Calabar Highway: Stakeholders accuse Umahi of disobeying court order

    He said that the recently-inaugurated 30km portion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would not be opened to motorists until completion of an additional 17.47km portion of the Section One, Phase One, of the road project.

    “We completed 20km at the beginning, and then we completed 10km.”

    He said that the contractor, Hi-Tech Construction company, was working hard to complete the 17.47km.

    “This is what we are working to join, and when we have joined it, if you are travelling from Ahmadu Bello way to the Lekki Free Zone, then you can use the coastal highway.”

    The minister said that the road would be tolled to ensure constant maintenance.

    “Whether these roads are tolled or not, they need constant maintenance.”

    (NAN)

  • 2027: South East ‘ll work for Tinubu’s re-election – Umahi

    2027: South East ‘ll work for Tinubu’s re-election – Umahi

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has praised President Bola Tinubu for achievements so far, saying the South East Geo-political Zone is fully in support of him and will work for his re-election.

    Umahi spoke to journalists on Friday night in Lagos, where he dismissed claims that the South East was giving conditions, such as the release of Nnamdi Kanu, to support the President.

    “Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.

    “We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there,” he said.

    The minister described Tinubu as a listening leader, and expressed faith that Kanu’s release would come through divine grace and dialogue, not  through pressure or politics.

    He said: “President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right.

    “Look at where he picked up the economy from. The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects.”

    Read Also: Umahi apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge 

    Umahi highlighted key infrastructure projects being delivered by the current administration in South East, including  rehabilitation of some roads abandoned by past administrations.

    “Let those criticising the president show us what they have done for the country,” he said.

    The minister dismissed  the allegation that the South East was being sidelined in federal appointments, saying  that Tinubu had done more for the geo-political zone than many past leaders.

    He called for unity among political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, noting that governors across the South East — including those from opposition parties — were working well with the President.

    Umahi told journalists  said that he had no intention of contesting for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.

    “I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu.

    “APC is the path to achieving what we want. The South East now has a voice at the centre. We will not return to Egypt,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Umahi apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge 

    Umahi apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge 

    Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has tendered a public apology to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians over the flooding that disrupted movement on the newly completed Lafia-Makurdi highway, calling the incident an embarrassment caused by the negligence of the road concessionaire.

    Umahi, who commended President Tinubu for his timely and fatherly intervention in Benue State, said the President’s visit had restored hope and reassurance to the affected communities.

    “We apologize very profusely to Mr. President and Nigerians, for the embarrassment, this unfortunate incident caused him and Nigerians

    “We also commend Mr. President very highly for his fatherly role in Benue State. His visit there has made a lot of impact on the lives of the people of Benue State and everyone living in that place. With God on his side, Benue people shall see sustainable peace and progress,” said.

    In a statement on Friday by his Media aide, Uchenna Orji, the Minister, on Wednesday, directed the immediate deployment of officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company, the firm responsible under the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), to the affected section of the road.

    The intervention followed flooding on June 18, which disrupted traffic due to debris clogging an existing culvert. 

    The Minister said that both the Ministry and the concessionaire teams cleared the blockage and restored the section, but warned that a long-term solution must now be implemented. 

    He tasked the company with identifying the root cause of the flooding and taking decisive steps to prevent recurrence.

    “We must avoid a repeat of such an incident on a tolled and completed road. The concessionaire is responsible for maintaining the carriageway, and they must do so diligently,” he said.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo applauds Tinubu, Umahi on East-West Road, others

    In a separate meeting with Citibank Nigeria executives, Umahi sought private sector support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Legacy Projects, four major infrastructure initiatives aimed at economic revitalization. 

    He commended the President’s reform efforts, which he said were attracting international investor confidence while emphasizing that partnerships are crucial to realizing the administration’s infrastructure goals and delivering long-term benefits to Nigerians.

    Citibank’s Managing Director, Nneka Enwereji, expressed the bank’s interest in supporting impactful infrastructure projects in Nigeria and praised the administration’s efforts to improve transparency and infrastructure delivery.

  • Umahi orders termination of contract with Levant Construction over non-performance

    Umahi orders termination of contract with Levant Construction over non-performance

    Minister of Works, Nweze David Umahi, has ordered the termination of Levant Construction Ltd’s contract for the reconstruction of section 1 of the Benin–Sapele–Warri Road.

    The road is being constructed under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

    The decision follows the company’s failure to meet contractual obligations despite repeated warnings.

    A statement from the minister’s aide, Uche Nna Orji, said the Minister gave the order after a meeting with the CEOs of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd.

    The Minister expressed deep concern over Levant’s abandonment of the site.

     “We have three sections there. We have the Levant section. Unfortunately, Levant has not lived up to expectations. We even had to intervene and beg the Governor of Edo State to please get the worst sections of that route done.

    “We divided the worst sections into two and told Levant to concentrate on one part. While the Governor of Edo State intervened, which I think is about 23 kilometres for N35 billion, and that section the Governor of Edo State intervened in is ongoing very well, but Levant has since left the site.

    Read Also: Umahi frowns at slow pace of work on Enugu-Onitsha highway

    “We gave them a series of warning letters. We also gave them the last termination notice. When a termination notice is given to you, it is for you to within 14 days to go back to the site and begin to do those things you were not doing. This time is for them to remobilise to the site and for them to work, but they did not respond”, the Minister said.

    Umahi directed the Permanent Secretary, Olufunso Adebiyi, to formally terminate the contract, arrange joint measurements, and notify Levant’s bank for recovery of the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG).

    The Minister threatened to report the company to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if it fails to money.

    In the other Sections, Minister Umahi expressed satisfaction with SKECC Nigeria Ltd and GELD Construction Ltd for their renewed commitment and praised the Governors of Edo and Delta states for their impactful interventions on some sections of the road.

    He specifically hailed Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwor, for the ongoing construction of three beautiful flyovers and agreeing to add 10 km of reinforced concrete road and Sen. Monday Okpebholo (Edo) for stepping in on critical sections of the route.

    “We are grateful for their support. This is the kind of partnership we need to deliver quality infrastructure for Nigerians,” Umahi added.

  • Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo applauds Tinubu, Umahi on East-West Road, others

    Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo applauds Tinubu, Umahi on East-West Road, others

    Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, Rivers State chapter, has commended the President Bola Tinubu and his Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for innovative, speedy and quality work at some of the ongoing federal road projects in the state

    The group gave kudos to Umahi on redesign of the East-West Road, Section III (Eleme Junction – Onne Junction), under reconstruction, the 39-kilometer Bodo – Bonny road with bridges and the Ahoada section of the East-West Road.

    The Rivers State chapter President of Ohaneze, Livingstone Wechie, appealed to the minister to sustain the pace of work saying they were looking forward to the superstructure of the flyovers and the bridges meant for the entire design and total completion in record time.

    Wechie said, “We are further impressed that the Minister is not an armchair Minister but a field manager, always on site to ensure that the job is done in compliance with needed standards.

    “The completion and commissioning of phase one of the Eleme-Onne section is very inspiring, looking back at the economic and social loss suffered due to its deplorable history.

    “Thankfully, this points to the larger phase two knowing the overall importance of that entire stretch as being a most vital route where you have a massive presence of Multinational Oil and Gas players that hold the economy of Nigeria”.

    Wechie hailed the federal government on the progress of the long anticipated Bodo-Bonny road construction, which he said was more than 80 per cent completed, describing it as key to a robust economic revival for the state and the country.

    He said, “It is, however, regrettable that these projects particularly the East-West Road sections was awarded with more than 150billion Naira by the past administration with no significant result on ground.

    “They treated that road with spite and ignored the state despite the outcry and in spite of the unprecedented investment worth of that road to the nation and the world.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails fathers as pillars of nation-building

    “While we express our deep appreciation for the foregoing, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu we believe has in his wisdom entrusted the Minister of Works with this duty because of his antecedent professional competence beyond the partisan fray for which we impress on him to stop at nothing to evince that tact with a lasting quality assurance for these projects in their final delivery as promised”.

    Wechie commended Rivers communities for cooperating with contractors handling the roads in the state saying their attitude was an indication that the state was peaceful and that the minister institute robust stakeholders’ management.

    He said, “We seize this opportunity to appeal to Mr. President to intentionally consider major signature federal infrastructure projects in Rivers state taking cognisance of the highly improved security situation in the state.

    “The Port Harcourt-Aba Road should be given special attention due to its strategic importance. Roads linking the South-South and Southeast should be reconstructed and expanded for a broader commercial advantage.

    “We strongly appeal to our dear President for more tertiary health institutions due to the current grossly inadequate facilities including Federal Medical Centres which is lacking in Rivers State with its ever growing population.

    “The state contributes a lot to the economy of Nigeria and should be given a priority attention in projects allocation. It is part of our proposal and recommendation to the President that the Wharfs in the state should be fully reactivated as it will expand the economic frontiers in the region and in turn generate more revenues to the federation account.”

  • Umahi frowns at slow pace of work on Enugu-Onitsha highway

    Umahi frowns at slow pace of work on Enugu-Onitsha highway

    Minister of Works, Sen David Umahi has frowned at slow pace of work on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.

    Umahi said the pace of work on the expressway was less encouraging, and expressed dismay over it.

    The Minister expressed his feelings while inspecting the project last weekend.

    He urged the contractors to rise to their responsibilities and ensure timely completion of the projects or face sanctions.

    Meanwhile, the Minister also inspected other ongoing projects in South-South/South-East States to ensure speedily delivery of the projects to meet up with the timeframe.

    In Delta State, he also comes the slow pace work by the contractor handling the Warri-Benni-Asaba road. 

    He said: ” I am particularly not impressed with the work done by CCECC on the Warri-Benni-Asaba Road, and I expressed concern about the slow pace of work on the Efurun-Sapele section and urged the contractors to intensify their efforts to meet the project’s deadline. 

    Read Also: FG to launch solid minerals excellence awards to promote innovation, responsible mining

    “Timely completion is crucial, and I expect all contractors to work diligently towards achieving this goal”.

    He appreciated the synergy between Delta State government and federal government on projects ongoing in the state. 

    “The Delta State Government’s proactive approach in taking over the payment of compensation to affected individuals has been instrumental in fast-tracking these projects.

    “I am confident that this collaboration will yield positive results, and I assure the state government that the Federal Ministry of Works will honor its commitments”, he said.

    The former Governor of Ebonyi State also inspected ongoing construction of Eke-Obinagu flyover in Enugu State and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the project.

  • Democracy Day: Umahi, NTAC boss hail Tinubu as champion of democratic renewal

    Democracy Day: Umahi, NTAC boss hail Tinubu as champion of democratic renewal

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has described President Bola Tinubu as a champion of democracy and a visionary leader committed to national transformation, as Nigeria marks Democracy Day day on Thursday.

    This is as the Director General (DG) of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Buba Yakub, commended Nigerians for their commitment to democracy while urging greater participation in the electoral process to protect the nation’s democratic progress.

    In his congratulatory message to the President on Wednesday, Umahi underscored President Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, noting that his decades-long struggle for democratic governance and emergence as the fifth democratically elected president of the Fourth Republic were testaments to his steadfast commitment to the ideals of freedom, equity, and justice.

    He said: “Your struggle for the redemocratization of Nigeria and your eventual emergence as President are clear indicators of divine unction upon your enduring vision.

    “History will be kind to you for setting high standards and taking bold decisions aimed at returning our country to the path of greatness in Africa.”

    Marking the 26th anniversary of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, the Minister praised President Tinubu’s leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly highlighting progress in the works and infrastructure sector. 

    He noted that the administration’s efforts to expand the national road network through the Renewed Hope Legacy Projects are bridging economic corridors across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    “In the works sector, you have fast-tracked democratic dividends through equitable, record-breaking accomplishments in road infrastructure.

    “Your commitment to enduring infrastructure is laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and national unity.”

    The Minister also commended the synergy between the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government under President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the administration has ushered in a new era of regenerative democracy where institutions work collaboratively to build a Nigeria of equal opportunity, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social class.

    Similarly, the Director General (DG) of the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Buba Yakub, lauded Nigerians for their unwavering commitment to democratic governance, urging citizens to deepen their participation in the electoral process as a means of safeguarding the nation’s democratic gains.

    Speaking in Yola during the inauguration of the newly constructed Adamawa State APC Secretariat and the Democracy Day celebration, Yakub emphasized that participatory governance remains the best form of leadership globally. 

    According to him, no laws or punitive measures should be needed to compel Nigerians to engage meaningfully in democratic activities.

    In a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia, the NTAC boss commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his administration, and other leaders across the country for sustaining an unbroken 26-year democratic journey. 

    He hailed the contributions of ordinary Nigerians who, through their resilience and civic engagement, have continued to shape and uphold the nation’s democratic experience.

    “We have every reason to celebrate this long era of freedom from interference in the democratic order,” Buba said, expressing optimism that democracy has taken firm root in Nigeria. 

    He encouraged all citizens, civil society groups, religious institutions, and government agencies to use their platforms to promote democratic values and encourage active participation, describing it as a duty owed to the memories of those who fought and in some cases died for the nation’s democratic freedom.

    Highlighting the global consensus against military rule, Buba said, “Military incursions into national leadership have long been deemed an aberration. 

    “Such unfashionable transitions of power, which bypass the consent of the majority, only hinder the development and liberties that democracy guarantees.”

    He praised President Tinubu’s 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative, which prioritizes Democracy as one of its cardinal pillars, noting that it reflects the President’s deep-rooted commitment to civil governance and political freedom.

    Read Also: Ogoni disagrees with Umahi on East-West Road completion 

    “For Nigeria to continue enjoying the level of development and positive leadership currently witnessed across the country, both leaders and followers must recommit to the democratic process.

    “This includes active participation in periodic elections, support for an independent judiciary, strengthening of legislative functions, adherence to the rule of law, and the promotion of a free press as a societal watchdog,” the DG added.

    The former Federal lawmaker also commended President Tinubu’s long-standing role as a democratic activist during the military era, describing him as a leader who fully understands the importance of free speech, civil liberties, and constitutional governance.

    Yakub called on Nigerians to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and rally behind elected representatives at all levels to ensure the effective delivery of the administration’s development vision. 

  • Ogoni disagrees with Umahi on East-West Road completion 

    Ogoni disagrees with Umahi on East-West Road completion 

    The principal mouthpiece of Ogoni people in Rivers state, KAGOTE, has disagreed with the Minister of Works, Dr. David Umahi, on the completion of some sections of the East-West Road. 

    Umahi had said that the ministry completed the dualisation of East-West Road Section II, sub section I, from  Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt – Ahoada in Rivers State and upgrading of 15km Section of the East-West Road Port Harcourt from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction.

    But the President of KAGOTE, an acronym that represents Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme local government areas, Emmanuel Deeyah said as at the evening of Sunday, 1st June 2025, work on only one side of the dual carriageway was still ongoing. 

    He said: “The concrete pavement has not covered the entire length of the road. There are four  overhead bridges at various stages of piling works. Not one has been completed.

    “The Minister of Works misled Mr. President into inaugurating  a road still under construction. We hereby condemn this act in totality”.

    Deeyah faulted the claims of Umahi, a former Ebonyi Governor and Senator, saying his claims could not be verified.

    He said: “All those who ply this road know that it is nowhere near completion. It is sad and unexpected of a man of this standing in society, moreover a public official.

     “President Tinubu was misled into believing the project had been completed, whereas work on it, is still ongoing. Anyone in doubt can visit the site and you will confirm that the concrete pavement, which is meant to be the uppermost layer, wearing or surface course on the road, is yet to be completed, while the four overhead bridges are at various stages of piling, let alone be completed”.

    He described  the Eleme Section of the East West Road as a dual carriage way and major arterial infrastructural project of the present administration. 

    Read Also: After God, my loyalty lies with Tinubu – Umahi

    He said the road was designed to serve commuters from Akwa lbom State and about eight local governments areas of Rivers State and  to evacuate men and materials from the refineries, the Indorama Petrochemical plant, the Ports and Oil & Gas Free Zone located along the axis.

    He said: “Our people believe that the speedy completion of that road will go a long way in assuring our people of the readiness of Government to partner with and develop local infrastructures. 

    “It has been in the forefront of our demands for better integration. Coming at a critical time when the Ogoni people have overwhelmingly agreed that the Federal Government should commence oil exploration activities in Ogoniland, which has been on hold for more than thirty years.

    Deeyah said like other Nigerians, Ogoni people voted massively for Mr. President in the last general election, and were in support of the activities, projects and programmes of his administration.

    He said: “We wish to reiterate our sincere appreciation to Mr. President for appointing prominent sons of Ogoni land into various offices of Government, we therefore call on Mr. President to quickly call the Honourable Minister of Works David Umahi to order”.