News
Rivers State Govt Reawards Andoni Road Project New Contractor
…Warns Communities Against Sabotaging Project
The Rivers State government has reawarded the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity road project to a new contractor, Monier Construction Company (MCC), more than six weeks after the contract was revoked.
READ ALSO:Rivers Govt, Julius Berger Sign N195.3B Ring Road Contract
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, had on June 11, 2023, revoked the contract after paying an unscheduled visit to the road, which when completed, will link communities in Andoni local government area to other parts of the state.
LEADERSHIP observed the unity road project, which was initiated about 24 years ago by the administration of former Governor Peter Odili, had the Ogoni and Opobo sections of the road completed while the Andoni section, awarded to Rafaul Construction Company is yet to be completed.
Addressing traditional rulers and other stakeholders of Andoni, at Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday, Fubara said although it was painful to the state government to reaward the contract considering that amount involved, he said it was the sacrifice the state government had to make for the happiness of the people of the area.
The governor urged communities in the area not to sabotage the road project, through kidnappings and other criminal acts, saying that the stars government will pull out of the project if things get out of hand.
He said: “About two years ago, we had this meeting at the Rivers State Executive Council Chamber where the immediate-past governor discussed with Andoni people and leaders on the way forward on that your road. In that meeting, the contractor was asked several questions.
“It got to a stage that we even offered him what it will take; it was a blank check. I was Accountant-General of the state then, so, I was privy to that meeting. And he (contractor) said he needed a certain amount of money to complete the project.
“The commissioner for Works was also in that meeting. We agreed and made that allowance for him. The monies for the project were all paid except the retention fund, which was about a billion naira.
“But, it is really unfortunate that there was no progress in that work. The road was not progressing, there was always stories here and there. When we came for campaigns, we did promise you and I promised that if there is one project I will do for you is to make sure that the road is completed.
“When we invited the contractor again, he was not showing any serious sign that he wants to do the job. We were left with only one option but to cancel that project, which you were all aware. I came there myself and said that project is cancelled and that we are going to reaward it to a more serious contractor.
“So, we are here today to let you know that the project has been reawarded to MCC. It pains us as a government because a project that had been paid 90 percent and now, we reaward the project for completion spending same amount of money again.
“You are aware of what the contractor has done; although the person behind the contractor is your brother. But, he is also my brother, but we are not going to that. That is what we have used to do sacrifice for your people.
“But, this time around, we are not going back on that project, we must complete that project. We are not just saying we want to complete it, we have already paid 30 percent of the new contract sum. We have paid the contractor and he is ready to enter the site any moment from now.
“Let me say this, we will need you support to achieve this project. But, if there is any act of sabotage; sabotage, I mean, trying to frustrate the contractor, through kidnap or whatever, and it gets to that point that it is really bad, we are pulling out and my administration will not talk anything about that road again. But, I don’t want us to get to that point.”
Credit: LEADERSHIP
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.
Amid the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly has told both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the police that Nigerians are keenly watching their actions.
This came amid viral video of some politicians in the Kogi State mass-signing signatures purported to be that of the Senator’s constituents.
It was gathered that the Senator has already petitioned the police over the development.
However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, the National President of Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly, Shuaibu Usman, accused the INEC of always compromising the electoral process in Kogi State.
Usman, who recalled how results of the last governorship election in the state emerged even before the exercise commenced, urged the commission to redeem itself.
He said, “Kogi parades as a worst example when it comes to INEC conduct of election in Nigeria. We have not forgotten how many credible organisations, including Yiaga Africa, raised the alarm of the electoral heist that went on during the last guber election in that state.
“So, INEC has been notorious for providing a thriving ground for politicians in Kogi State to mess up the country’s electoral system.
“The same people are at it again, this time hiding under the guise of a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. With their Kogi magic, they quickly manufactured over 250,000 signatures, whereas the entire voters during the main election stood at 120,000.
“One need not be a suitsayer to know that these are the same elements who are known to be chronic election riggers, with INEC as their enablers.
“However, we must caution the INEC that this should not be business as usual; this is beyond Kogi State, so Nigerians are watching.
“We were taken aback when the INEC after announcing that the petition did not meet its requirements, returned a day after to tell Nigerians that the same petitioners have met the requirements- what a quick fix!
“The INEC must not kowtow to the whims and caprices of desperate political elements in Kogi State, as this will be resisted by Nigerians.”
Similarly, the apex Igbo group also urged the police to ensure that all those in forging the signatures of Senator Natasha’s constituents were brought to book.
According to the group, the viral videos showed known faces in Kogi State, wondering why the police were yet to effect any arrest.
“By now, we had expected that some of the perpetrators should be cooling their heels in custody or having their days in court, but it is yet to happen.
“There should be no room for compromise, the culprits, no matter how highly placed, should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“We urge that the police should engage forensic experts to analyze those signatures before the INEC takes any further step in the said petition,” Usman further stated.