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FCT Minister Slams Contractor Over Delays on OSEX II/Wasa Road Project

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the slow pace of construction on the Outer Southern Expressway II (OSEX II) to Wasa road project during an inspection on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the 15-kilometer stretch of the Left-Hand Carriageway from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction, Wike revealed that he had been misled on the project’s progress. Initially, the contractor, CGC, had assured a December 2024 completion date, but now a May 2025 timeline is being suggested.

“I am not encouraged,” Wike remarked. “I visited the site yesterday, and there was no equipment on the ground. It’s clear that because of my scheduled visit today, they mobilized machinery. This is unacceptable.”

The visibly frustrated Minister underscored that over 80% of the contract had been paid, yet less than 50% of the work had been completed. He directed the Director of Engineering Services to develop a revised work plan with CGC, emphasizing the need for a firm commitment to meet the May 2025 deadline.

“This road is critical,” Wike said. “Its completion will reduce traffic congestion and spur economic growth. We need to see real action from the contractor.”

Wike also made it clear that the FCTA has no tolerance for non-performing contractors, stressing that those who fail to deliver will face severe consequences. “Whether you’re an indigenous or foreign contractor, we will remove you if you don’t meet our standards,” he stated. “And we will ensure you pay for any delays.”

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Senior FCTA officials, including Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, and representatives of CGC, led by Deputy Managing Director Mr. Lv Haiming, were present during the inspection.

The project is seen as vital to improving the capital’s infrastructure and boosting economic activity in the region. However, Wike’s stern message highlights the urgency to keep it on track.

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JUST IN: IGP Withdraws Invitation to Sanusi

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

The police chief, however, directed the Kano State command of the force to obtain the monarch’s statement in the State regarding the incident.

Egbetokun, who gave the directive through the spokesman of the police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the withdrawal became imperative following the intervention of some stakeholders in the country.

The top cop also said his resolve was in line with the police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted.

Details shortly…

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Unity and Accurate Reporting Essential to End Plateau Violence, Says NSA

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Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has called on communities in Plateau to take proactive steps towards restoring peace, asserting that it is time to collectively declare an end to the ongoing violence that has plagued the state for many years.

During a condolence visit to Jos on Sunday, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu expressed the president’s profound sorrow regarding the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area, which resulted in numerous fatalities and the displacement of families.

“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am here to convey his heartfelt condolences to the people of Plateau in light of the recent crisis we have experienced,” he stated.

While acknowledging the prompt actions taken by security forces, the NSA emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires more than just military intervention. He urged residents, who have coexisted for generations, to engage in dialogue, foster unity, and seek reconciliation.

Ribadu noted that while the frequency of attacks has diminished compared to previous years, unresolved tensions still create opportunities for criminal activities.

“Our security forces are performing admirably. However, our communities have the potential to do even better. It is time to declare that enough is enough. When individuals within the same community fail to resolve their issues peacefully, criminals exploit the situation, leading to crises that escalate rapidly,” he cautioned.

He assured that both federal and state governments are collaborating closely to stabilize the region and praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the visible improvements in the area’s security landscape.

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“The federal government is committed, and the state government is actively engaged. The governor’s efforts have been commendable, contributing to the relative improvements we are witnessing,” he remarked.

Discussing the challenge of misinformation, Ribadu urged the media to refrain from disseminating unverified or exaggerated casualty figures, warning that such reports could exacerbate already volatile situations.

“While we have mourned many losses, the figures circulating may not accurately reflect the reality. Nonetheless, every life lost is significant. We urge the media to ensure the accuracy of their reports. Truthful reporting is crucial for our collective healing and for maintaining peace and security,” he asserted.

He underscored that sustainable development hinges on peace, describing it as the cornerstone of progress. Despite Plateau experiencing recurring violence for over two decades, Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the cycle of bloodshed.

“Without peace, nothing functions—there can be no progress, growth, development, education, or health. The president has made it clear: enough is enough. This cycle must end. We are committed to amplifying our efforts to achieve greater improvements,” he concluded.

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Tinubu vows severe punishment for Plateau attackers, condoles victims family

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President Bola Tinubu has promised that the gunmen who killed many people in communities in Plateau State will be apprehended and face severe punishment under the law.

The President extended his condolences to the families of the victims in Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos Local Government and those from Manguna and Dafo villages, where the gunmen launched brutal attacks, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties.

President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, also commiserated with the Government of Plateau State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

He urged the affected communities to cooperate with the authorities and security agencies by volunteering information to catch the perpetrators and secure their communities.

He assured Governor Mutfwang of his support in ending this spate of wanton bloodletting on the Plateau.

He directed the National Emergency Management Agency to work with state authorities to provide necessary support to the victims and bring immediate relief to the affected communities and those wounded during the attacks. NEMA will work closely with the state to ensure that affected communities rebuild and recover.

The President stated: “The report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me. The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended. These intermittent attacks should have no place in our country at a time when we are working so hard to restore peace and order in all parts of our country. This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen. Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and all those affected by this senseless violence.  No community should have to endure such tragedy. We all must unite to foster peace and stability. I urge all citizens—regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations—to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace and reject retaliation.”

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