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FG to toll more roads – Umahi

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said on Saturday that more federal roads would be tolled to ensure effective infrastructure maintenance.

Umahi stated this while inspecting the ongoing construction on the Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway.

He stated that the Federal Government was leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to improve road infrastructure across Nigeria for socio-economic benefits.

According to him, major roads within the six geopolitical zones and key economic corridors would be tolled.

“However, we will not toll any road that has not been fully completed. Before tolling, we must ensure the road is 100 per cent finished,” he said.

Umahi explained that where roads were completed years ago but had deteriorated, agreements would be reached with stakeholders on necessary maintenance.

He emphasised that lack of maintenance remained a major issue for Nigerian roads.

“How do you maintain 35,000 kilometres of road? We must involve the private sector in this maintenance effort.

“If a 200-kilometre road has 150 kilometres completed, we must decide on maintenance plans. Without maintenance, those sections could deteriorate.

“That is our focus. However, for now, no unfinished road will be tolled,” the minister said.

He stated that work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway would be completed within 14 months.

Umahi added that sections one and three of the road had been awarded to Infoquest Nigeria Ltd., following Federal Executive Council approval.

“The Federal Executive Council approved the construction of these sections on Monday. Infoquest Nigeria Ltd. has commenced work.

“We are not here primarily to assess the volume of work done. Instead, we are holding a side meeting to determine mobilisation levels,” he said.

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Umahi stated that efforts were underway to address failed sections of the road, including depressions along 38 kilometres of section one, from Abuja to Kaduna.

He directed the Permanent Secretary to work with contractors and consultants to assess the entire 38-kilometre stretch and determine the best solution.

While inspecting the Lambata Bridge on the Abuja-Minna road, Umahi said measures had been introduced to deter illegal mining and sand excavation, preventing erosion.

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Kabir Akanbi confirmed as substantive Chief Registrar of Supreme Court

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The Federal Judicial Service Commission has approved the appointment of Kabir Akanbi as the Acting Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court effective Feb. 13.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by Dr Festus Akande, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Supreme Court on Sunday in Abuja.

The appointment followed the retirement of Hajo Bello who attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 in public service.

Prior to his appointment, Akanbi served as the Deputy Chief Registrar in charge of the Election Petition Tribunal Unit at the Court of Appeal headquarters, Abuja.

Akanbi obtained his Law Degree at the University of Ibadan in 2001, and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003.

In 2005, he got his LL.M Degree at the Temple University, in Philadelphia, United States of America.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Institute of Information Management, Africa, respectively.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, congratulated Akanbi on his appointment.

She urged him to apply his vast experience in legal practice, corporate advisory, and public service leadership, particularly in software development and legal technology, to further enhance the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of the Supreme Court.

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Atiku Backs Lagos Corper Facing Threats Over Viral Video

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The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.

Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.

In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.

The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.

Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.

Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

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FG Must Stop Threatening Nigerians For Criticising Govt – Amnesty Int’l

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Amnesty International on Sunday said the Federal Government must stop threatening individuals and groups who criticise the current administration.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organisation in a statement on its X handle.

It also condemned the alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye.

This followed her viral TikTok video where she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government over hardship Nigerians face as a result of the economic reforms.

The human rights watchdog denounced the reported threats from NYSC officials, emphasizing that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video,” the statement read.

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes.

“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.”

Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.

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Uguamaye alleged that shortly after the video went viral, she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.

She expressed fears for her safety, stating that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being pressured to report to the NYSC office.

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