National
Tinubu Commends Minister For Transforming FCT
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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, assured Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike that as a team leader, his administration will not let him down.
This is as the FCT Minister has named the newly completed and commissioned Southern Parkway Road in Abuja as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Southern Parkway in the FCT, the President commended Wike’s vision which he described as revolutionary and very inspiring to many people, adding that the changes made by the Minister to the FCT, structural and administrative is yielding results and elevating the heart of many Nigerians.
He said, “I will not say that I am surprised. Barrister Nyesom Wike, Mr Project, thank you for giving us this home, and sincere commitment to shared value. Well done; as a team leader, you work so hard, tirelessly.
“I must recognise your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people. The changes you made to the FCT – structural and administrative – is yielding results and elevating the heart of many Nigerians, thank you very much.”
He said the commissioning marked a significant milestone in the journey of the nation towards progress and development.
He said, “As we commemorate our first year in office when I was inaugurated as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is a great joy and challenge that we have a huge job on our (not sure).
“But transformative projects you are seeing, I heard from his remark that this project could have been an abandoned project for 13 years, scratching the surface.
“Once again, our dear landlord, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, thank you for bringing life back to our Federal Capital Territory. I understand the Southern Parkway not only represents a physical artery that connects vital areas within FCT but also symbolises our collective aspirations for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility and progress.
“By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion but also enhance mobility and creativity for the residents and visitors to FCT.
“The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, as we strive to build a world-class capital city.
“We recognise the fact that infrastructure is an enabler of jobs, economic development and prosperity. We believe we are going to achieve all of that.
“The needs of our citizens is paramount in our minds, so for making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed.
“As we formally inaugurate this road, I am greatly honoured, I heard him mentioning my name as the beneficiary. Thank you very much; thank you for being a very good team leader, we all collectively will not let you down.
“To me, the contractor’s evaluation is in the hands of Nyesom Wike and his team. I just recognise his presence being here. The meaning of this success is more job, more hard work.”
Earlier in his address, the FCT Minister, Wike, said that the landmark project was among the first nine visionary projects scheduled for commissioning by Mr President in the coming days.
He said that the project represents a significant milestone in the collective efforts to enhance the infrastructure and livability of the capital and her inhabitants.
According to him, “As we mark the first year of your transformative leadership, Mr. President, this event underscores our shared commitment to progress, innovation, and the enduring prosperity of Nigeria.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a roadway, but the opening of new pathways to economic growth and national unity.
“The Southern Parkway is one of the principal arteries conceived and planned as a freeway to provide access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.
“The other principal artery is the Northern Parkway which has been substantially developed over the years to service the Northern districts.
“Your Excellency, to bring the level of development of the Southern Parkway at par with the Northern Parkway, this project which was awarded in December, 2011 to Messrs Setraco Nig. Ltd. at the contract sum of N16,234,553,335.64 (Sixteen billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira, Sixty Four Kobo), was later revised to N35,757,763,310.18 (Thirty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Six-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Ten Naira, Eighteen Kobo) in March, 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.
“The scope of work comprised of the construction of 5.4km length of the road – made up of 2 main carriageways of 4 lanes each and 2 service carriageways of 2 lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes. It also includes the construction of 4 number Interchanges (a total of 8 bridges) in addition to the provision of associated underground engineering infrastructure facilities.
“I am happy to further inform your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr. President. The completion of the project will indeed enhance traffic circulation around the City Centre thereby reducing delays in travel time; complementing the developed portion of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu, and Durumi as well as accelerating the development of the Southern axis of the city in general, thereby bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and visitors to the city. “
Wike explained that on assumption of office in August 2023 the FCT administration was confronted with many uncompleted projects that have dragged on for several years.
He, however said that the coming of the Tinubu’s administration and his unflinching support has led to the completion of the project amongst others, that are ready for commissioning.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the FCT Residents appreciate Mr. President’s support and laudable achievements. It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolved that this very important road be named the “BOLA AHMED TINUBU WAY”, he declared.
By Abubakar Yunusa
A leading civil society organisation, the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida over his role in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, described Babangida’s recent self-incriminating remarks as a critical test for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He asserted that failure to hold the former leader accountable would undermine Tinubu’s moral and political legitimacy.
“We firmly assert that if President Tinubu fails to take decisive action against General Babangida and does not ensure that he faces the consequences of his actions—specifically, imprisonment, which is where he rightfully belongs—he will lack the moral and political legitimacy to govern effectively,” Zikirullahi stated.
The organisation argued that Babangida’s candid admission of his role in annulling the election paints him as a figure who has evaded justice for too long.
It warned that failure to prosecute him would further entrench a culture of impunity in Nigeria.
The statement also highlighted the tragic aftermath of the annulment, including the deaths of protesters and the imprisonment of pro-democracy activists.
Among those mentioned were Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the election, who was detained and later died under suspicious circumstances, as well as journalist Dele Giwa, whose unresolved murder remains a symbol of repression during Babangida’s regime.
“For decades, successive governments have claimed a lack of evidence to prosecute Babangida.
However, with his recent confessions and public statements, there is now compelling evidence for legal action,” CHRICED said.
The organisation also criticised the financial waste associated with the annulled election, arguing that resources used to conduct the poll could have been better utilised for national development.
The center blamed Babangida’s administration for fostering a political culture where power is acquired through manipulation rather than democratic means.
“The decisions made by Babangida and his associates have led to the infiltration of unqualified individuals into various positions of authority, undermining governance and eroding public trust,” the statement read.
CHRICED urged President Tinubu to take a stand for justice, insisting that addressing Babangida’s role in the June 12 annulment is crucial to restoring faith in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“This is not just about the past; it is about Nigeria’s future. If impunity is allowed to persist, the cycle of injustice and corruption will continue to plague our nation,” Zikirullahi warned.
Gunmen have abducted some female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi, Benue state.
The students, reportedly numbering up to four, were abducted on Tuesday evening at the university’s North Core campus.
The students were said to have been headed for “night class”, a practice of late-night studying in Nigerian campuses.
The gunmen were said to have invaded the hotel area of the campus before abducting the four students.
Some moments after the incident, operatives of the Nigerian army arrived at the school.
Sewuese Anene, Benue police spokesperson, told TheCable on Wednesday that a report received by the police indicated that only two students were kidnapped during the incident.
Anene added that the police have launched an investigation into the matter.
The Markurdi incident is the latest in a series of abductions targeted at Nigeria’s tertiary school students in recent years.
In August 2024, at least 20 medical and dental students were kidnapped in Benue State while travelling to a convention in Enugu.
In September 2023, gunmen abducted approximately 20 students from a university in Zamfara state.
At Greenfield University in Kaduna State, at least 20 students and two staff members were kidnapped in April 2021.
Tragically, five students were killed during captivity before the remaining hostages were released after a month.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.