News
Collapsed infrastructure: Benue group laments, dares female lawmaker, Blessing Onuh not to re-contest in 2023
An Otukpo based socio-political group, “Idoma Network for Good Governance (INGG) has lamented the total collapse of infrastructure and the lack of social amenities in Benue South Senatorial district.
The group which claimed to be concerned with good governance and not about any political party turned the heat on member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Blessing Oyenche Onuh as not doing enough to attract social amenities and infrastructure to her Constituency since she assumed legislative activities in 2019.
In a statement issued in Otukpo which was signed by Mr. Adakole F. Enenche and made available to CAPITAL POST in Abuja, the group claimed that they were tracking each representative at the upper and lower legislative chambers, but noted that the female lawmaker wasn’t forthcoming, hence, they advised her not to re-contest in 2023 as she may not command support anymore.
The group described the lack of water, electricity and dilapidated road network as an unfortunate development that has drawn the zone to the primitive days.
The statement reads: “The six kilometre Makurdi – Otukpo – Enugu road is in bad state. There is no electricity in Otukpo; there is no pipe borne water and nothing to show that we have government.
“Our lawmakers are doing nothing. The member representing Otukpo directly has gone to sleep. She is not at best for us in terms of lobbying.
“When Hon. Blessing assumed legislative duty newly in 2019, she tried to make us proud, but since then, she no longer represent her Constituency, the way other lawmakers are trying.
“We are not a political party, but stakeholders which cut across Ohimini and Otukpo and we are in the best position to advise our leaders. Today, move from Otukpo to Local Governments and communities in her Constituency, you will discover that there is nothing to suggest that we have a representative.
But reacting to the allegation in a telephone conversation with CAPITAL POST, the lawmaker absolved herself of any blame for the collapse of infrastructure in Otukpo.
She explained that as a representative, she doesn’t possess executive powers, but could only lobby, which she did with regards the kilometre six, Makurdi – Otukpo – Enugu road.
According to her, she met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works which they had a fruitful discussion, while she said, she has also raised a motion in the Green Chambers which was adopted for the repairs of the road.
The lawmaker claimed to have attracted constituency projects,adding that some male and female groups have been empowered by her so far.
She regretted the lack of water and the unavailability of some infrastructure that would have better the lives of her constituents, noting that certain things were beyond her control, particularly that she doesn’t have the financial resources to fix those things the Constituents are complaining about.
She explained: “Concerning the road, I have lobbied, I met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works. It’s now left for the Federal government, which I think, they are trying to work on it.
“I have also raised a motion on the floor of House which I have my evidence on video (I can even send it to you) to confirm.
“I have raised the issue of road from Otukpo to Onyagede and I those complaining about me are not abreast of my effort”, she said.
Though, she didn’t send the video materials to CAPITAL POST as promised, the female lawmaker maintained that “the soil of Otukpo generally doesn’t produce water”, hence, it wasn’t her fault.
The lawmaker, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently, said she has large followership which could be seen from the ongoing APC membership revalidation exercise.
Meanwhile, some aggrieved youths, on Tuesday, took to the major roads in Otukpo to protest what they called lack of basic amenities in the ancient town.
According to them, Otukpo, a major town in Benue State, has been wallowing in lack of electricity, water scarcity, and especially bad roads which have earned the town the mockery slogan of “Red dust city”.
A popular businesswoman with strong interest in oil and gas, Aisha Achimugu has denied being investigated or arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing rumours milling around as baseless.
Her media aide, David Abakpa refuted the claim on Friday, saying his principal Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who serves as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FELAK Concept Group, is not under investigation by the EFCC.
Abakpa described the rumour of arrest as unfounded and misleading, insisting that Dr. Achimugu who is a businesswoman has no issues with the EFCC or any other anti-graft agency, demanding that elements behind the falsehood should provide evidence.
According to Abakpa, the EFCC is a professional agency that does not act on social media speculations before conducting its investigations.
He criticized what he described as a “sponsored media campaign” aimed at tarnishing Dr. Achimugu’s reputation, asserting that such claims hold no merit.
“It is unfortunate that certain unverified online platforms are being used to spread falsehoods against a patriotic Nigerian and global icon, Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who has been earning international recognition for Nigeria,” the statement read.
He further pointed out that the EFCC does not disclose arrest plans prematurely, making it suspicious that anonymous sources allegedly linked to the agency would leak such information to an online media outlet.
Abakpa also noted that no one under an EFCC watchlist could leave the country without being intercepted at the airport, rendering the claim that Dr. Achimugu fled to evade arrest baseless.
“The media campaign against her is empty and has already failed. Falsehood can never prevail over truth. The sponsors of this fake news lack the coordination to tarnish the image of an award-winning entrepreneur,” he added.
Highlighting her national recognition, Abakpa emphasized that Dr. Achimugu’s OFR (Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic) honor is a testament to her contributions to Nigeria’s economy through legitimate business ventures.
“Dr. Aisha Achimugu is a hardworking businesswoman who constantly travels across the globe for business engagements. The claim that she left the country to escape arrest is laughable,” he concluded.
Abuja currently is agoged as Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds a 3-day mega crusade in Abuja, the Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy Abuja Zone 1 and the Chairman, Steering Committee, Pastor Dipo Fisho, yesterday, disclosed that the crusade is basically to spread the love of Christ and save the souls of the people.
According to Fisho, the crusade holds from Friday March 21st-Sunday March 23rd 2025 at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, with the theme ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’.
He said: “The Word of God in Hebrews 13:1 says, “Let brotherly love continue.” What a profound and deeply stirring exhortation! When meditated upon, this passage can illuminate your heart and open your mind to divine epiphanies by the Spirit of God. Glory to His Name!
“The Lord Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, declared the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind,”* followed by this: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”Brotherly love, therefore, isn’t merely a suggestion—it is a divine mandate! Hallelujah!
“We are utilizing every medium available—social media, billboards, television, radio, and more—to share this divine invitation. Thousands of brethren across Abuja and its environs well branded and kitted are reaching out daily, spreading the Good News, distributing flyers, and inviting everyone to this life-changing program. Yes, ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’ will take place from the 21st to the 23rd of March, 2025, at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, starting at 3 PM daily. Hallelujah!
“To love God is to serve Him and to honor Him with our lives, walking in obedience to His divine instructions. When we follow His Word, our faith is expressed, and therein lies our success. This is the very heartbeat of ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’. For decades, I have had the privilege of pastoring and mentoring countless souls, and I can tell you this: the love of God is the very crux of the Gospel. His love compels us to speak with wisdom, to react with grace, and to stand boldly for the truth. Hallelujah!
“As Christians, we are custodians of the Gospel of Christ. This sacred message is not ours to keep hidden; we are commissioned to take it to the ends of the earth. Matthew 28:19-20 the Master charges us to go into all the world and preach the Good News to every creature. This is our divine calling! For ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’, the Holy Spirit has directed us to bring this message of salvation and divine life to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Abuja. Praise the Lord!
“Regardless of your background—whether you are a Free Thinker, Muslim, Animist, Buddhist, or Occultist—this message is for YOU! The love of God knows no boundaries, and His salvation is available to all who will receive it. We invite you to join us for this extraordinary 3-day event that will transform your life forever. Glory to God!
“This effort is a demonstration of brotherly love. We are so full of the joy, beauty, and reality of God’s amazing grace that we must share it with everyone! Love compels us to act, to give, and to bring others into the fullness of God’s blessings in Christ Jesus. Praise the Lord! This is why we are sparing no expense—because some things are worth far more than money. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation, and now it is our time to shine His light to the world.
“Beloved, the love of God has brought immense success into my life, and I am passionate about seeing you live victoriously in Christ Jesus. This is why my brethren and I from all Christ Embassy Churches and LoveWorld Fellowships across Abuja extend this heartfelt invitation to you. Come and experience the power of God for yourself!”
Thousands have been stranded at Heathrow in the United Kingdom as fire guts electrical substation that supply electricity to the airport.
The international flights has been disrupted in the early hours of Friday with a yet to be released option as at the time of the press.
Authority said, Heathrow Airport will be closed all day Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power
The fire is still burning, London Fire Brigade says, with no power at Terminal 2 and 4 as well as 5,000 homes nearby. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, warns of days of disruption – more than 1,350 flights are thought to be affected today.
The implications will stretch far wider than Heathrow, and could impact flights much further afield,
Edited by Jenna Moon and Barbara Tasch, with Charlotte Gallagher reporting from Heathrow
Smith goes on to say that 29 people from neighbouring properties were evacuated over the fire, adding around 150 people in total were evacuated to a rest centre.
He says the fire brigade will continue to have a presence in the area throughout the day.
Fire safety and fire investigation officers are working with the Met Police to establish the nature of the fire, he adds.
There remains no power at Terminal 2 or Terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport, Smith says.
We’re now hearing from the London Fire Brigade, as deputy commissioner Jonathan Smith addresses reporters with an update on the fire at the electricity substation near Heathrow Airport.
The fire involved a transformer comprising 25,000 litres of cooling oil that was fully alight. 10% is still alight, he says.
Met Police declared it a major incident, he adds, saying that firefighters worked under challenging conditions.
Press watch live above to follow along. We’ll bring you more updates shortly.
BBC/CAPITAL POST NIGERIA
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