The Lagos State Government, LASG, says repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge will resume on Tuesday, January 9.
The state government said traffic on the road will be closed within the period of the repair.
According to the state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement he signed on Thurday, the closur was necessary to enable the Federal Ministry of Works to repair some sections of the bridge.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Iyana Oworonshoki-Adeniji Adele section would be closed for effective repairs of the entire section of the bridge, adding that alternative routes have been provided to make vehicular movement seamless for commuters.
Part of the statement said, “The closure is part of the ongoing work that started in November 2023, focusing on fixing the ramps, and now, the remaining parts of the bridge will also be repaired.
“Conversely, from 12 noon to 12 am, motorists will be able to access the bridge from the Island to the Mainland while motorists from the Mainland heading towards the Island will have to use Eko Bridge.
“These timings have been selected to match the peak period flow of traffic and reduce travel stress.
“Please cooperate with our traffic management officials who will be helping out. Thanks for your usual understanding and cooperation. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe.”
Repair Work On Third Mainland Bridge Begins Next Week
Dangote: More Trouble For Business Mogul; EFCC Raids Office, As Rift With Tinubu Deepens
There is a serious trouble for Aliko Dangote after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, reportedly stormed the head office of the Dangote Group in Lagos on Thursday in connection with an alleged roundtripping.
Leadership newspapers had reported that Dangote’s office was raided by EFCC officials in connection with the agency’s ongoing investigation into the foreign exchange transactions during the tenure of former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, who is also being prosecuted by the anti graft agency.
Sources said the raid was intended to search the Dangote’s Office for vital documents that could assist the agency in its investigation.
The EFCC raid comes after Dangote lost his position as Africa’s Richest man to a South African businessman. Close sources to the Nigerian business mogul said he has faced serious problem since the administration of Bola Tinubu came to power this year.
Though the cause of Dangote’s problem with the Tinubu’s administration has yet to be known, those close to him said, this may not be unconnected b with his support for Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during last year’s pesidential election.
Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election defeated Atiku who came second in the election.
Concerning the EFCC investigation, the commission was said to have written letters to 52 companies directing them to supply documents supporting the allocation and utilisation of foreign currency in the last 10 years.
But in November 2023, Dangote Group denied allegations of foreign exchange (forex) malpractices and money laundering of the sum of $3.4 billion.
The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, was unreachable for comment on the matter when filing this report.
The spokesperson for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, could not also be reached to comment on this development.
Uzodimma Constitutes 44-man Steering Committee For His Inauguration, Swearing-in Ceremonies
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved the constitution of a 44-member Steering Committee that will see to his successful second term inauguration and swearing in ceremonies billed for January 15, 2024.
Headed by Senator Chris Anyanwu with the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu as Co-Chairman, the membership was chosen from the three senatorial zones of Imo State as well as representatives of key State and National organs.
Key persons who made the list include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly and Minister of Education (State) , Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah, Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu and two other former Speakers- Rt Hon Maxwell Duru and Rt. Hon Paul Emeziem.
Other current and former National Assembly members who made the list include, Hon Eugene Dibiagwu, Rt. Hon Nnanna Igbokwe, Rt. Hon Ikenna Elezianya and Rt. Hon Bede Ekeh, Hon Victor Murako, Hon Amarachi Nwoha,
Former Ambassador, His Excellency Greg Mbadiwe, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Dr. Eddy Anyanwu, Chief Cosmos Maduba, Sir Greg Owuananam, Chief Charles Orie, Barr Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Chairman of CAN in Imo State, Dr. Divine Eches Divine, Chairman of ALGON in Imo State, Willie Okoliogwo, among others made the list.
Some Commissioners in the Committee include Chief Declan Mbadiwe, Barr. Raph Nwosu, Hon. Ruby Emele, Hon. Nkechi Ugwu, and Hon Chimezie Amadi.
The comprehensive list reads in full:
- Sen Chris Anyanwu – Chairman
- Chief Cosmas Iwu – Co-Chairman
- Rt Hon. Goodluck Opiah
- Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie
- Hon. Declan Emelumba
- Barr. Ralph Nwosu
- Chief Jerry Chukwueke
- Hon. Bede Ekeh
- Hon. Rubby Emele
- Hon. Ray Emena
- Rev. Philip Nwansi
- Barr. Emeka Agbo
- Comrade Uche Chigemezu Nwigwe
- Rev. Divine Eches Divine
- Hon. Nkechi Ugwu
- Comrade Austin Chilakpu
- Macdonald Ebere, Ph.D.
- Sir Greg Owuamanam
- Chief Ethelbert Nwachukwu
- Rt Hon. Maxwell Duru
- Dr. Eddy Anyanwu
- Hon. Uche Diogu
- Hon. Amaechi Nwaoha
- Hon. Victor Muruako
- Hon. Mike Uzodimma
- Engr. Sam Nwaire
- Hon. Ikenna Elezianya
- Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe
- Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu
- Barr. Enyina Onuegbu
- Willie T.C. Okolieogwo
- Kierian Unegbu
- Ethelbert Okere
- Fidel Onyeneke
- Paul Emeziem
- Chief Charles Orie
- Rt Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu
- Greg Mbadiwe
- Chimezie Amadi
- Chief Cosmas Maduba
- Cliff Nzeruem
- Ezeania Oguchinti
- Leo Awaziama
44. Ikenna Adikibe
EFCC Storms Dangote’s Head Office In Lagos
By Gideon Njoku
For Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, Thursday, January 4, turned out unpleasant.
On the day it became public that he has lost his position as Africa’s richest man, Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, stormed the head office of his conglomerate, in Lagos.
Dangote who had held the top position as Africa’s richest man for 10 years, lost it to a South African, Johann Rupert. According to Forbes Magazine, Rupert beat Dangote with a little less than two billion Dollars. He boasted the sum of $12 billion to Dangote’s $10.8billion. Dangote’s worth recently dropped by a whopping $4.12b due to Nigeria’s economic crisis.
Just as Nigerians were coming to terms with the loss, reports emerged that the EFCC on Thursday, stormed the Dangote Group headquarters in Lagos and carried out a thorough search.
While it is not yet known why the EFCC took the action, speculations are that it has everything to do with the investigation and prosecution of former Central Bank Governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele.
There have been allegations that Emefiele and Dangote got cosy in some untidy Forex businesses.
Unconfirmed reports insist that Dangote got unprecedented waivers and attention from Emefiele when the later was CBN Governor.
The search by the EFCC on Thursday, according to a report in the Cable, was over Forex allocations to the company.
Neither the EFCC nor the Dangote Group has confirmed the raid, but according to The Cable, an anonymous Dangote staff offered that: “They (EFCC), asked for documents on forex transactions with the CBN.”
Not a few people think that the relationship between Dangote and the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government is not smooth. It is the first time Dangote seems not to be in the “priority” friendly list of a Nigerian President since 1999 – the year Nigeria went back to democratic rule.
Persons With Disabilities In Ondo Accuse Intervention Agency Of Neglect
By Ayodele Oni
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in coastal area of Ondo state have expressed displeasure over their neglect by the state owned intervention agency, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (OSPADEC).
The disabled persons, from Ilaje and Ese-Odo local governments areas of the state have resolved to embark on mass protest to the commission’s office in Akure to demand for their rights.
Spokesman for the group, Ikuomola Olubadewa said in a statement that “This is as a result of the large marginalisation, neglect, and carelessness as a form of discrimination against persons with disabilities by the Commission since the tenure of Gbenga Edema, the immediate past Chairman of the commission till the date of Erejuwa Sam, the present Chairman of the Commission.
“Several letters, sittings and consultations were made between the Executives of the Association of Persons With Disabilities in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Governments, and the management of the Commission over the stipulated and mandated yearly Empowerment Programme for Persons With Disabilities by the Commission in the two mandate areas of Ondo State.
“So unfortunately and uncalled for, the Commission under the present leadership of Hon. Erejuwa Sam insisted the he has nothing to offer for Persons With Disabilities in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Local Governments regarding the stipulated Empowerment Programme by the Commission.
“As a result of that, we the Executives of Persons With Disabilities in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Governments have met, we have discussed vividly and concluded that only the remedy needed wherein the OSOPADEC can positively comply and grant our request is peaceful protest which shall take place any moment from today.
“We the Executives of the Association of Persons With Disabilities called all our members under the eagies of the Association of Persons With Physical Disabilities, Association of Persons With Visual Impaired, Association of Persons With Hearing Impaired, Association of Persons With Albinism to be ready, to embark on a peaceful protest in OSOPADEC Akure.
“Since we were neglected by the past, the Hon. Gbenga Edema, and Sam Erejuwa, the Chairmen of OSOPADEC on our Empowerment Programme; while the only language the Commission needs is peaceful protest at OSOPADEC, Akure.”
NURTW Saga: Agbede Raises Alarm, Says MC Oluomo Wishes Him Dead; Seeks Police Intervention, Protection
By Akinwale Kasali
Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo is enmeshed in another crisis following the alarm raised by the Caretaker President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Tajudeen Agbede, alleging that MC Oluomo has been spreading false information about his health status.
MC Oluomo who recently relinquished power as the Chairman of the NURTW in Lagos State to Adekunle Mustapha Sego, is said to be eyeing the Presidency of the NURTW.
He is said to be spreading rumour about the health status of Agbede, saying that he is incapacitated, suffering from paralysis and stroke.
But in a twist Agbede denied the Claim, saying that he is hale and hearty.
In a Statement released by Agbede, he vehemently denied rumors of his paralysis and stroke, accusing MC Oluomo of intentionally spreading false information about his health in an attempt to wish him dead.
Insisting on immediate police intervention, Agbede urged for a thorough investigation into the matter and the prosecution of those responsible for perpetuating the damaging rumor.
On social media platforms, speculations regarding Agbede’s health began to surface on Monday, causing numerous concerned individuals to reach out to him and his family for updates.
It was gathered that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu of Lagos State had a called a meeting in an attempt to mitigate tensions among different factions within the NURTW’s state council, scheduled a meeting with Alhaji Sulaimon Ojora (Kudeti), MC Oluomo and the incumbent state chairman, Mustapha Sego, it was alleged that MC Oluomo misinformed Governor Sanwo Olu on the State of health of Agbede, claiming that Agbede was bedridden and suffering from a stroke.
In a Statement personally signed by Agbede to debunk the alleged misinformation, allegedly, peddled by MC Oluomo, titled “I’m Hale and Hearty,” denouncing the false report as an act of malice orchestrated by his detractors, who harbor ill intentions towards him.
He said, “The people who attended the meeting with MC Oluomo told me everything that transpired at the meeting.”
“It is very unfortunate that Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya could go to that extent of wishing me dead. His level of desperation and greed is second to none.”
“I want to use this opportunity to inform everybody who has been calling me for updates that I’m very strong and healthy. I’m okay.”
Agbede has however called upon the Nigerian Police Force to thoroughly investigate the matter and hold accountable those responsible for spreading the malicious rumor.
The statement reads further, “This incident has prompted me to tighten my security measures. I express my sincere gratitude to colleagues, friends, and relatives for their unwavering support and well wishes”, the statement reads.
It was gathered that MC Oluomo was forced to relinquish power to Mustapha Sego following series of complains about his nefarious activities that has got tongue wagging.
It was also gathered that his attitude almost led to the loss of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos during the 2023 Presidential Election to Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Peter Gregory Obi.
It was alleged that his statement during the election almost led to Governor Sanwo Olu losing his re-election bid.
Close soured with the All Progressives Congress, APC, circle disclosed that MC Oluomo was becoming a hard nut to crack prompting him to be cut to size.
He was said to have on several occasions flouted and disregarded Governor Sanwo Olu’s order, due to his relationship with President Tinubu, but his fate was sealed after biting more than he can shew.
His removal as NURTW Lagos State Chairman was made known to him by Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate Elegushi Land, who spoke to him to accept it in good faith.
Seeing that he will become irrelevant in Lagos, he decided to jostle for the National Presidency Seat of the NURTW, prompting him to begin campaign of calumny against Agbede, a source said.
It would be recalled that MC Oluomo masterminded the plot that led to the removal of Tajudeen Baruwa as the President of the NURTW, leading to the ban placed on NURTW activities in Lagos State before it was reinstated by Governor Sanwo Olu following the removal of Baruwa with Agbede been made the Chairman of the defunct National Caretaker Committee of the NURTW.
Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji Sets Templates For New LG Bosses
By Ayodele Oni
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has told newly sworn-in 38 Local Government Chairmen and their Vice, that performance standard has been set for them to beat.
The governor urged them to place high premium on radical improvement on the security of lives and property, as well as revenue generation in their respective council areas.
Oyebanji also gave a matching order to the council chairmen to rev up the pedal of development by building on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors, adding that his administration would not tolerate any form of security lapses at the third tier of government under their watch.
The Governor made the remarks in Ado- Ekiti on Thursday, during the inauguration ceremony for the new council chairmen.
The new council chairmen were elected during the December 2, 2023 local government election in the state.
Addressing the new council bosses, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, described the Local Government as an integral part of overall development focus and strategy of his government that requires adequate attention to tackle the menace of poverty, joblessness and insecurity.
The Governor praised the immediate past Chairmen and those that were reelected for demonstrating enough political and administrative acumen to deliver, in spite of the multifarious challenges associated with being pioneers.
Stoutly expressing zero tolerance for corruption and pilfering of council funds, the Governor urged them to discharge their duties with utmost “honesty, impartiality , even-handness, compassion and fairness.”
The governor revealed that he decided to put machinery in motion for the conduct of election at the local government level to further corroborate how desirous he was for the councils to be run in a democratic manner.
He saluted the former Chairmen for their outstanding performances and for being shrewd and dexterous in playing local politics that was chiefly associated with the running of local government system, saying this reflected in their acceptability and connectivity with the people.
On his commitment to stamp out bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements out of Ekiti, the Governor charged the chairmen to prioritize security at all times, adding “you must be deliberate about this.
“Your security plans and strategies should be communicated to me through the office of Special Adviser on Security, as soon as you take over. I will not tolerate security lapses in your domains, therefore, ensure all critical stakeholders are carried along and are involved.”
Oyebanji advised the new council bosses against relying solely on the funds accruing to them from the federation and state accounts to run the affairs of the councils, to avert administrative failure and inability to fulfil their electioneering promises.
“You need money to run a successful administration. It is not enough to rely on federal and state allocations, you have to improve your internally generated revenue and ensure it forms a sizeable source of your funding revenue.
“One of your major performance metric will be how much IGR you generate and how much it contributes to your project financing. Government will be looking at the possibility of giving conditional, mileage-incentive to councils with significant IGR improvement.”
On his resolve to bolster the potentials of youth and artisans, Oyebanji, said his government is sensitive to local content in project execution, directing the council chairmen to patronize local contractors, while not ruling out the possibility of direct labour in execution of projects in exceptional cases.
“Let me reiterate my call on the local government leadership that this administration is very sensitive to local content in project execution. While the need for direct labour may be inevitable, in certain circumstances, it shouldn’t be the norm but exception.
“Our shared prosperity mantra is to the effect that all socioeconomic opportunities must go round. Let local contractors with proven track records of performances and delivery benefit in job execution at the grassroots level.”
Oyebanji appealed to the council chairmen to manage their local politics in most effective fashion to mitigate political crises or hostilities that can tinker with peace being savoured by the citizens from rearing their ugly heads.
Ondo PDP Dares NEC, Appoints Alabere As acting Chairman
By Ayodele Oni
As the fate of Mr Fatai Adams remains uncertain as the Ondo state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following disagreement over his purported suspension, the State Working Committee (SWC) has appointed Tola Alabere as acting chairman.
The suspension of Adams, last week by the SWC was later declared as null and void but the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP but the state organ insisted that the suspension was irreversible.
The SEC of the party on Thursday appointed Tola Alabere, as the acting State Chairman of the party.
This decision was announced at a press conference after an emergency meeting of the SEC at the party’s secretariat in Akure, on Thursday, as a step forward on the suspension of Fatai Adams by nine out of the eleven members of the State Working Committee.
The SWC of PDP had suspended Adams, citing alleged anti-party activities and actions detrimental to the party’s reputation.
After giving concurrence to Adams’ suspension, the SEC of the party took a step further by approving the appointment of the State Vice Chairman, Tola Alabere, to take over the affairs of the party as acting state chairman of the PDP in Ondo State.
Addressing newsmen, the State Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei said the decision to appoint Alabere followed the due process and in line with the party’s constitution.
Fake Certificates Saga: Students Body Urges FG To Sanction Only Culprits, Says 15000 To Be Affected
By Ayodele Oni
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in Benin Republic, has reacted to the blacklisting of University degree Certificates issued by Universities in some countries in West Africa by the Nigerian Government.
The students body which regretted the situation which led to the ban, called for leniency on the ban of degree certificates from the country and Togo, saying 15,000 Nigerian students are in Benin Republic.
A report detailing how a degree was bagged in under two months from a school in the Benin Republic forced the government to ban the validation of certificates from the country and Togo.
In the wake of the development, the Federal Government banned the validation of degree certificates from the countries.
But on Thursday, the NANS President of Benin Republic, Ugochukwu Favour said the Government should consider those students that were legitimately admitted.
“For now, I will say that the Federal Government should look into the issue. Now, you can’t because it is happening in this school, punish everyone because it involved close to 15,000 students in the Benin Republic.”
Favour, who spoke on Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily, appealed to the federal government to step up efforts to probe the matter and punish those involved in the saga.
He said NANS in the Benin Republic has constituted a committee to probe the matter, expressing confidence that the report of its findings will be vital in curbing future occurrences.
“I have really not validated if it has been happening for a long time. This is just like what just came out on social media and we are still trying to find out how long it has been happening. So, that is why I set up a committee as the president to investigate it.
“I have no sympathy for such people. Instead, they are part of the criminal chain that should be arrested.”
Updated: EFCC Defends Former Minister Umar-Farouq, Says She Did Not Shun Its Invitation
By Akinwale Kasali
Contrary to reports that former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development Sadiya Umar-Farouq shunned the invitation of Anti Graft Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Commission says there is no such thing.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesman disclosed that Umar-Farouq had sent a letter saying that she couldn’t honour the invitation because she was indisposed due to health challenges.
In the words of Oyewale, “ It is true that she didn’t show up, but she sent a letter pleading for more time, explaining that she had some health challenges.
”She didn’t shun the EFCC invitation; she gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up.
”Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency on why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation,” the EFCC spokesman added.
He added that the Commission put into consideration her pleas and request for a later date for her to appear before the Commission.
As regards arresting her for not showing up, the EFCC Spokesperson said that it was unnecessary to arrest since she has done the needful by writing the Commission to state her reasons for not appearing through her Lawyer.
Umar-Farouq is being investigated for an alleged fraud that took place in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
Oyewale further explained that the N37.1Billion said to be misappropriated by the Ministry may not be the actual amount, which is why the EFCC is not resting on its oars in unraveling the true picture.
“ On the figure that is being branded, I cannot categorically confirm the figure because it is an ongoing thing. We are still tracing all the transactions here and there; it may be more than that.
“We can’t publish a figure now until we finish the tracking, and it may be more than what is being brandished now,” he said.
Oyewale also revealed that the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, Halima Shehu, has been released.
Shehu, who was arrested on Tuesday, has been released and directed to come to the EFCC office for interrogation until the end of the investigation.
She was arrested in connection with the ongoing probe of the humanitarian affairs ministry.