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Flood: FG orders integrity tests on all dams
Worried by worsening incidents of devastating floods across the country, the Federal Government has ordered an integrity test on all dams in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu announced this on Tuesday in the National Broadcast to mark the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
He said the measure is aimed at averting future disasters.
Tinubu particularly expressed deep concern over the flood that destroyed lives and properties in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, and promised to ensure that there was no repeat of such.
“Our government has been responding to the recent natural disasters, particularly the flooding in parts of the country.
“After Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri, I also visited to assure our people that this federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble.
“At the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council, we approved a Disaster Relief Fund to mobilise private and public sector funds to help us respond faster to emergencies.
“Our government has also ordered integrity tests of all our dams in the country to avert future disasters,” he said.
Tinubu also emphasised the need for Nigerians to support government efforts and policies targeted at improving living conditions.
He also spoke on current reforms aimed at improving the nation’s economy.
“What we are doing is to retool our economy to serve us better.
“We are also looking at more sustainably.
“If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.
“Thanks to the reforms, our country has attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.
“We are committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes.
“This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively,” he said. (NAN)
A Nigerian good governance advocacy group, Countryfirst Movement, has announced plans to form a coalition to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, aiming to make Tinubu a one-term president.
In a statement on Friday, the group’s convener, Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, described the APC as “rudderless” and accused Tinubu’s administration of “outperforming” former President Muhammadu Buhari’s “colossal failure.”
Nwaokobia expressed confidence that there is sufficient time to build a coalition capable of defeating the APC, despite recent high-profile defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his team from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
“Compatriots, those defending the egocentric and self-seeking defection of the Delta State Governor and his team are smart by half,” Nwaokobia said, dismissing concerns over the defections’ impact.
“There is enough time to perfect and pull through with the needed coalition to defeat the underperforming APC in 2027.”
Nwaokobia pointed to the 2023 elections, where the Labour Party, led by Peter Obi, secured significant support in Delta State without controlling a single state government.
He noted that the “Obidient Movement,” a grassroots political force backing Obi, defeated the PDP’s machinery in the presidential polls in Delta, despite Oborevwori’s eventual gubernatorial victory.
“Delta State in 2027 offers a beautiful turf for the replay of the contest between the people’s power and the power of the men in power,” he said, predicting a “ballot-based people’s revolution” deeper than in 2023.
The activist also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and hold public officials accountable, urging citizens to reject “the poisoned chalice of deceit, falsehood, and debauchery” propagated by self-serving politicians.
Tinubu, declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has faced criticism for economic challenges and governance issues.
Nwaokobia argued that the president’s failure to secure a majority of total votes in 2023, combined with ongoing defections, will deepen public rejection of his leadership.
Call Mgbeke Comedian
North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.
They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.
“It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women.”
The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.
“The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world.’’
They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.
Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.
They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.
The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.
The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.
“Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash.”
The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.
They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment.’’
The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.
The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.
The Lagos state high court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a driver of Lagos bus rapid transit (BRT), to death by hanging for killing Bamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer.
Sherifat Sonaike, the trial judge, gave the verdict on Friday.
More to follow…