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FCT Minister flags off upgrading of roads in Bwari Area Council

In continuation of efforts by the FCT Administration to bridge the gap in the provision of infrastructure in the FCT satellite towns and the city centre, the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Monday, October 28, 2024, flagged off the upgrading of the War College/Army Checkpoint and other ancillary roads within the Bwari Area Council.

Speaking during the flag-off exercise, Barr. Wike stressed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving the living conditions of the people in the satellite towns through the provision of vital infrastructure.

The Minister, who stated that the road project was awarded to an indigenous contractor, said this also demonstrates the President’s commitment to empowering the local populace and indigenous contractors.
Recounting the series of events before the contract award, Barr. Wike said he personally visited the project site to ascertain the veracity of the proposed contract and the contractor’s capacity to deliver on the project.
He said “It makes me happy that under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one thing I’ve always emphasized is to empower our people, empower our indigenous contractors who have shown capacity, who are willing to work”.
Speaking on the efforts of the present administration to provide infrastructure in the nation’s capital, Barr Wike revealed that the President has approved the award of the 9.5km Kabusa/Ketti road and the 11km Kabusa/Takushara road in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, as requested by the council chairman, Hon Christopher Maikalangu.
The Minister also revealed that an MOU has been signed between the FCTA and CGC for the provision of potable water in Kwali, Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils.
He said, “We went to China, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CGC to provide water for Kwali, for Gwagwalada and for Kuje to start with. We are not just only providing roads. Now Mr. President has taken a step further to see that you must have portable water to drink…”.
“As far as infrastructure is concerned, by the time this administration finishes in 2027, Abuja will be a different thing altogether”. The Minister added the administration has restored the people’s confidence in government, while assuring that development will get to all parts of the nation’s capital in due course.
He said, “I can assure you that every Area Council will be treated very well. You don’t need to worry yourself. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real. You can see that promise made, is promise fulfilled”.
Commending the Area Council Chairmen for their support for the FCT Administration, the Minister also stated that he has refrained from interfering with the allocations of the FCT Area Councils to encourage autonomy. He also called for Accountability on the part of the Council Chairmen.
The FCT Minister, while also noting that government requires revenue to provide infrastructure, called on FCT residents to pay their taxes and ground rents, even as he urged them to also hold the government accountable.
Speaking on the efforts of the government in the aspect of human capital development, Barr. Wike also revealed that N10 billion was earmarked, in the budget, for the empowerment of the youths in the FCT.
In his goodwill message, Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Senator David Jimkuta, described the ongoing infrastructure provision in the FCT as unprecedented.

FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike (5th left) flanked by the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud (4th left) and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Senator David Jimkuta (6th left) during the flag-off ceremony of the upgrading of the War College/Army Check point and other Ancillary Roads in Bwari Area Council on Monday.
Senator Jimkuta who also described the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike as the symbol of the Renewed Hope Agenda, added that the Minister’s excellent performance across the FCT was clear for all to see.
In her address, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud thanked President Tinubu for giving approval for the upgrading of the War College/Army Checkpoint and vital ancillary road projects, which she said will improve economic activity in the rural areas and enhance the quality of lives for the citizenry and thanked the FCT Minister for his vision, leadership and commitment to the development of the FCT.
On his part, Chairman Bwari Area Council, Hon. John Gabaya also thanked the FCT Minister for his commitment to the provision of infrastructure in the Bwari Council.
Hon. Gabaya described the Minister as the Messiah of the FCT and pledged the continued support of the people of Bwari Area Council for the FCT Administration.
Highlighting the scope of work for the 11 kilometer road project, the Coordinator Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said it has an 18-months completion timeline.
He added that the road project, when completed, will open up rural communities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the FCTA’s desire to provide an enabling environment and improve the living conditions in the FCT satellite towns.

An aerial view of the Ushafa road(one of the ancillary roads) in Bwari Area Council flagged off for upgrade on Monday
Also speaking, Abdullahi Suleiman, the Managing Director of Abdulval LTD (the Contractor handling the project), thanked the Minister for entrusting the company with the project and assured him that the project would be delivered on time.

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‘Your malicious campaign of calumny against me will not work’ – Akpabio blasts Senator Abbo

The President of the Nigerian Senate Godswill Obot Akpabio said, he will not be distracted by the baseless allegation and antics of Elisha Abbo who formerly represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate, stating that it was unfortunate that the ex-lawmaker has started another round of malicious campaign against him.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, declaring that Elisha Abbo’s outbursts are those of a failed politician who fraudulently represented Adamawa North Senatorial District before the Court intervention cleared him out of way.

Akpabio through his aide was reacting to Elisha Abbo’s blame on Akpabio, suggesting that he was responsible for his electoral woes in an interview he granted on Arise Television on Wednesday while he featured on politics today.
Part of the statement read: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to another round of spurious and malicious accusations by Mr. Elisha Abbo, who unlawfully represented Adamawa North Senatorial District save a judicial intervention.
“He has again sought to blame the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for the travail of his judicial sanction that occasioned his ouster from the Senate.”
Akpabio said he was perturbed the more over Elisha’s outburst on him over an issue he has regretted and apologized to him publicly in 2023—after admitting that his earlier accusation was “premature and based on the available information at his disposal.
He noted further that Abbo had once discussed with him last year and acknowledge that “he was not involved in the judicial process that led to his ouster from the Senate.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr. Abbo’s presence in the Red Chamber was in error. The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North, and consequently, he was removed.
“The court acted in accordance with the extant laws and the Constitution within its sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Senator Akpabio, a seasoned lawyer and democrat, holds the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and would never interfere in its processes.”
Given that Abbo has exonerated him, Akpabio said he found it illogical and irresponsible for him to now turn around and heap blames on him.
“Mr. Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. He claims entitlement to salaries, allowances, and even an official vehicle, despite the court’s declaration that his tenure was null and void ab initio.”
Akpabio noted that he has no executive fiat to approve finances, except such has been duly vetted and forwarded to him by the appropriate administrative units in line with the public finance guidelines.
If any of Mr. Abbo’s claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet these lawful standards—not because of any personal or political vendetta.
It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Mr. Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing. Even more telling is his record of public conduct. Nigerians will recall that in 2019, he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abuja—an incident for which he was ordered by a competent court to pay N50 million in damages. This is a matter of public record and speaks volumes about his temperament and disposition.
His recent outbursts about unpaid travels and imagined plots further reinforce the conclusion that his actions are driven not by facts or principle, but by bitterness and desperation to remain politically relevant. These claims are not only baseless, but they reek of grievance and a refusal to accept personal responsibility for his removal and loss of public trust.
Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutions—especially the independence of the judiciary. He will not be distracted by the antics of individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures.
We urge Mr. Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth.

News
Caveat Emptor: Firm Issues warning against Hampton Harbour property transactions

Structured HQ Legal, (SHQ) has issued a public notice warning against any transactions involving the buying, selling, leasing, or letting of the Hampton Harbour landed property.

The landed property measuring at 19.5 hectares is located at Elegushi Royal Family Land, Ikate Ancient City, Eti Osa, Local Government Area, Lagos State with reference number 376/376/2777GC and belongs to the Baggeren International Company.

In an official press statement issued to the news men, the firm disclosed that the property is currently under legal scrutiny, cautioning that any individual or entity engaging in transactions related to Hampton Harbour does so at their own risk. They also emphasized that unauthorized dealings could lead to significant financial loss and expose parties involved to legal consequences.
SHQ further noted that any person(s) who proceeds with any dealings in relation to the Hampton Harbour property risks both financial loss and potential legal actions noting that such transactions may result in criminal and civil liabilities for trespass or fraud.
The public is strongly advised to exercise caution and ensure due diligence before engaging in any transactions concerning Hampton Harbour. Prospective buyers, investors, or stakeholders must seek formal confirmation and approval from Structured HQ Legal or Baggeren International Company Limited to avoid financial and legal risks.

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BREAKING: INEC rejects recall petition against Natasha for lack of requirements

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday said, requirements for recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District were lacking in the petition.

In a statement to update circumstances surrounding a purported petition against Natasha, the INEC said, it has rejected the petition.

The Commission said, Natasha is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and there are requirements to recall her or any other Senator, but it cannot consider the petitions that lack merits.
Earlier the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, acknowledged receipt of petition against the embattled lawmaker from her constituents after submitting it to the INEC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District was the former Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Contents, but was suspended from the Senate over alleged breach of Senate Standing Rules.
Natasha disclosed that she has approached the Court to quash her suspension which she claimed was illegal.
According to the petitioners, over 250,000 constituents’ signed the petition, out of about 480,000 registered voters in the senatorial district.
The petition was titled Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’.
In a brief statement on Thursday, the Commission said, “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
The female lawmaker also on Tuesday defied ban by Kogi State Government and visited her Senatorial District in what she said, was a Sallah visit to felicitate with those who gave her their mandate.

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