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Road Project: Katsina Govt’s Response Laughable, Says Group
A non-governmental organisation, Arewa Growth Initiative, has said the Katsina state government’s response to reports about Governor Dikko Radda’s role in the cancellation of the Mararrabar Kankara-Dutsima-Katsina road project is laughable.
Governor Radda was criticized after Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tunubu on Political Matters Ibrahim Kabir Masari told a gathering in the state that the cancellation of the road project was done at the prodding of the governor.
It would be recalled that residents, especially those plying the road, heavily criticized the governor after it was revealed that he instigated the cancellation of the project awarded to an indigenous firm, Vipan Global Investment Resources.
Obviously responding to the backlash, the Katsina state government in a statement issued by Bala Zango, commissioner for information, said the reports were misleading.
“Contrary to media reports, the Governor actually requested that the contract be awarded to a reputable construction company, ensuring a higher quality job” Zango stated.
But the Arewa Growth Initiative said the Katsina state government’s response was clearly an afterthought and amounted to a failed attempt to deceive the citizens of the state.
Garba Salmanu, the Group’s coordinator, queried the Katsina State Government’s justification for demanding the contract’s cancellation.
Salmanu wondered if the government was suggesting that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), which issued a certificate of no objection, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which approved the contract, made mistakes.
“Is Governor Radda saying the BPP that issued a certificate of no objection upon which the contract was awarded was wrong? Is he implying that the FEC was wrong in awarding the contract or that the company’s track record was a hogwash?
“Anyway, the good people of Katsina now know their real enemy. It is illogical to sacrifice such a noble project on the altar of politics.
“One thing is certain. The Katsina state government under Governor Radda waited this long before coming up with this laughable excuse because it has no reason other than politics”, the Group added.
The Group insisted that Governor Radda’s attempt to hide under competence in justifying his decision lacks basis because the contract was bidded for, and Vipan Global Resources was chosen after meeting all the necessary criteria.
” In any case, the federal government cited budgetary constraints and lack of adequate funding as reasons for the cancellation, so the Katsina state government’s claims that it was cancelled on the basis of competence stands logic on its head.
” Even the reason given by the federal government was flimsy because it was observed that the project in question has more budgetary provisions than other road projects which were not cancelled.
“We know that the government cancelled the project simply for political reasons because from our findings, Governor Radda, while begging for its cancellation, told the President that the company is linked to a prominent PDP figure who ensured APC’s defeat at the presidential election even with former President Buhari as a sitting president.
“Does that mean that the president is only for the APC members? Does that mean a member of the opposition does not deserve to be given a contract even when he or she is competent?” the Group asked.
Meanwhile, an official of the federal Ministry of Works who prefers anonymity said he felt sorry for the people of Katsina state that politics was used to deprive them of such a gigantic project.
He said it is rare to see a company work without mobilization, but Vipan Global Resources commenced work and was doing a quality job even without being mobilised.
A National Youth Service Corp member, Rofiat Lawal, who was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday has regained freedom after her family paid a ransom of N1.1m.
ELANZANEWS reports that Lawal was kidnapped while en route to Ibadan, Oyo State from Benin, Edo State to resume at her place of primary assignment.
The abductors were said to have demanded an N20m ransom which her family appealed that they could not afford.
Following back-and-forth negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly reduced the N20m ransom to N5m.
Giving an update on the incident, Lawal’s friend identified as Agbakwara, who was privy to the incident, disclosed on Saturday that Aminat has regained her freedom.
Sharing a video of the victim in a Facebook post, Agbakwara wrote, “In the early hours of Friday, the kidnappers pressured us, warning that if we failed to meet their demands, we should not expect her return.
“In desperation, I reached out to everyone I could, her colleagues in school, the Muslim association, her friends from her hometown, my fans, and her family.
“Through the collective efforts and generosity of so many, we were able to raise N1.1 million, which was sent at 4:20 pm on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers.
“The recipient, Isaac Ayo, claimed that his sister had also been kidnapped and assured us he would deliver the ransom alongside his own.”
He stated that Lawal was finally reunited with her family on Saturday morning.
“For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, at around 10 pm, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital.
“This morning, we got another call confirming that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, and tagged the necessary authorities. Your support made this possible,” he concluded.
Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has launched two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and infringement of her fundamental rights.
In her legal filings, Mrs Akpabio is seeking an astounding ₦250 billion in damages, alongside an additional ₦1 billion to cover legal costs.
The suits, presented to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, arise from sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against her husband, Godswill Akpabio, during an interview on Arise News last Friday.
In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs Akpabio contends that the statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on 20th February 2025, as well as during the televised interview, represent a “flagrant violation” of her fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Referencing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mrs Akpabio is pursuing several legal remedies, including: “A declaration that the Senator’s remarks breached her fundamental rights and subjected her and her children to emotional and psychological distress.
“A perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further inciteful, scandalous, and defamatory remarks against her.
“₦250 billion in damages for what she categorises as exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages incurred as a result of the senator’s statements.”
In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), the wife of the Senate President challenges the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that they have inflicted irreparable harm on her reputation and that of her family.
She argues that the claims, aired on national television, have “tarnished her family’s reputation and brought them into disrepute and opprobrium.”
“The Defendant’s assertion on national television that the Claimant’s husband, who serves as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, made sexual advances towards her without any substantiation has severely damaged the reputation of the Claimant and her entire family,” the suit states.
Mrs Akpabio is also seeking a court declaration affirming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements were indeed defamatory.
Her requests include: “A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions on national television—that the Claimant’s husband, the Senate President, made sexual advances towards her without evidence—have harmed her reputation and that of her family, resulting in disrepute and opprobrium.
“An order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal written retraction of her statements and to provide an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in two national newspapers.
“An order mandating Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages for the ramifications of her statements on the Akpabio family’s reputation.
“A perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.”
These lawsuits represent a notable escalation in legal proceedings following a contentious exchange between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio.
The dispute first gained prominence when Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a verbal altercation with the Senate President during a Senate session, which she subsequently escalated by levelling allegations of sexual harassment during a televised interview.
The allegations have ignited a nationwide debate, drawing significant attention and eliciting mixed responses from the public.
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Governor Uba Sani Extends Warm Ramadan Greetings, Calls for Unity and Reflection in Kaduna State
As the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH begins, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Muslim faithful in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and across the globe.
In his Ramadan message, Governor Sani emphasized the importance of reflection, empathy, and solidarity during this sacred period.
Governor Sani urged Muslims to embrace the noble values of Ramadan, including generosity, brotherhood, and cooperation. He called on citizens to share food, love, time, and respect with the less privileged in society, reinforcing the spirit of compassion that defines the holy month.
“This is the time to renew our relationship with Almighty Allah and seek His mercy for our state and country,” Governor Sani stated. He also encouraged citizens to pray fervently for the sustenance of peace and unity in Kaduna State, highlighting the strength of the state’s diversity.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating peace, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring sustainable growth and development in Kaduna State. “As a government, we shall continue to do all that is necessary to place Kaduna State irreversibly on the path to progress,” he said.
Governor Sani concluded his message with a prayer for the spirit of Ramadan to illuminate the hearts and souls of all citizens. “May this holy month bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to our state and nation. Ramadan Mubarak,” he added.