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FCT Minister flags off construction of temporary access road to Saburi 1 and 2 communities in AMAC, to rehabilitate, expand Gwagwa/Karmo/Deidei road
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has flagged off the construction of a 5km access road in Saburi 1 and 2 communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council(AMAC) of the FCT
The road work commences from the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to old Keffi road, near the Dei-Dei International Market in Abuja.
The FCT Minister, during the flag-off exercise, said the road project is part of the six important roads nominated for construction by each of the six Area Council Chairmen in the FCT, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Barr. Wike had earlier flagged off the construction of the 5km Naharati-Ukya River-Unguwar Hausawa road with three span bridge in Abaji Area Council as well as the 11 km Yangoji/SukukU Ebo Road in Kwali Area Council in addition TO the 5km Dual Carriageway from Tipper Garage to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council.
Other rural roads also flagged off by the Minister include the 9km Paikon Kore to Ibwa road in Gwagwalada Area Council as well as the 7.2 kilometer Gaba Tokulo road with two-span bridge in Bwari Area Council.
The Minister said the construction of these rural roads in the FCT Area Councils would be completed before the end of the year, adding that the President has mandated him and the Minister of State to do everything possible to give hope back to the people of the FCT.
The Minister who thanked the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, the traditional rulers and the entire people of the Council for coming out to support the road construction project, also pledged that the FCT Administration will rehabilitate and expand the Karmo/Gwagwa/Dei-Dei road as requested by the AMAC Chairman.
According to the Minister, “The Chairman of AMAC has said that before now, this road has been a burden. The member representing this constituency has also alluded to that. What it meant then was that you had all lost hope. Now, because of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, we are bringing back that hope to you”.
He said, “I have told the Director in charge of Satellite Town Development Department that as we are meeting on Friday to finalize our budget, you must give this road priority for AMAC”.
Explaining that the AMAC flag-off marks the last in the first series of rural road construction, the Minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration will return to the Area Councils again in the next few months to flag off the construction of one more road in each of the six Area Councils of the FCT.
He said, “Mr. President has emphasized that our people in the rural areas must be given attention because they constitute a large part of the population. So, it is not only where the elites are living but also where the poor ones are, so that we will be able to reduce the level of insecurity and make economic activities thrive and also help our farmers to bring in their goods”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, commended the FCT Minister for his interest and dedication to the development of the FCT and making it a better place for all law-abiding residents.
On the construction of the 5km temporary access road in Saburi community, Hon. Maikalangu said that it is long-awaited by residents of Saburi community and commended the minister for his pragmatic leadership, adding that the road project would trigger socio-economic activities and other developmental strides around the area.
The AMAC Chairman pledged to always follow in the footsteps of the Minister by using the available resources to continue the good work in AMAC and augment the efforts of the FCT Administration.
Giving an overview of the 5km Saburi 1 and 2 communities access road, the Director overseeing the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Dr Olusegun Olusa said the scope of work consists of the construction of 5km asphaltic concrete road on 8 meter carriageway, which also include site clearance and earthworks, reinforced concrete pipes box culverts of various sizes, reinforced concrete U-channel line drains, 150mm thick crushed stone base course, 50mm asphaltic wearing course and expansion of an existing box culvert river bridge with three spans.
The Director assured that the department will do its best in the supervision of the project and ensure its timely completion.
Also speaking, the Sarkin Jiwa, HRH Alhaji Idris Musa MFR commended the efforts of the FCT Minister and called for the construction of more rural roads, as well as the completion of other abandoned projects by the FCT Administration.
In his remarks, the Chairman Senate committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Sen. David Jimkuta said the National Assembly has keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and will support the FCT Administration in any way possible. He also called on FCT residents to support the agenda of the President to make the FCT a better place for all.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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