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Ministerial scorecard: Groups score Water Resources Minister, Prof Utsev high
The Empowerment for Unemployed Initiative and the Society for Open Governance and Transparency have scored the Minister of Water Resources, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev high for his dedicated efforts in developing and sustainably managing surface and groundwater resources in the country since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a joint press conference in Abuja, Comrade Igwe Umanta and Danelson Momoh, speaking on behalf of the two groups, highlighted Utsev’s impactful stewardship, which has led to socio-economic growth and prosperity in the water sector.
They noted that the Minister’s achievements in just one year “affirmed his suitability and competence to occupy this critical role, rendering any deliberation on his worthiness moot.”
The groups said, “The Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has exhibited an unwavering dedication to the implementation of governance indices that foster efficient management and development in the water sector. He undertook a comprehensive nationwide tour of the twelve River Basins, aimed at assessing their operational efficacy and commitment to achieving food security and ensuring access to safe water for all citizens. During this extensive tour, he conducted thorough inspections of ongoing water projects, engaging with contractors to emphasize the imperative of delivering high-quality work and meeting project deadlines. Moreover, he unequivocally conveyed the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on sabotage and subpar performance, thereby instilling a culture of accountability. This fruitful tour gave rise to several key governance indices, including:
“Food Security through Irrigated Agriculture:
Priority has been accorded to food security by the Minister, who has championed the cause of irrigated agriculture, thereby optimizing water resources to bolster agricultural productivity and meet the nation’s food requirements.
“Accessible Water for All Citizens:
The Minister has made concerted efforts to ensure that access to clean water is universal, with a particular focus on marginalized communities in rural and underserved areas, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.1 and 6.2, which emphasize the imperative of ensuring global access to clean water and sanitation.
“Effective Management of River Basin Development Authorities:
Through visionary leadership, the Minister has demonstrated exemplary management of the River Basin Development Authorities, ensuring their optimal functioning in delivering on their multifaceted mandates, encompassing irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation, thereby maximizing their impact on the nation’s water sector.
“Quality Work and Timely Completion of Projects:
The Minister has consistently stressed the paramount importance of delivering high-quality work and ensuring the timely completion of projects, thereby guaranteeing that contractors adhere to the requisite standards and meet the stipulated deadlines, culminating in the successful execution of projects that meet the desired benchmarks.
“Community Involvement in WASH Facility Management:
By acknowledging the vital role that community involvement plays in the effective management of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, the Minister has promoted a culture of ownership and sustainability through the development of a comprehensive Framework for WASHCOM formation and management, thereby empowering communities to take an active role in maintaining these critical facilities.
“Accountability and Transparency:
The Minister has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of water resources, ensuring that projects are executed with the highest level of integrity, and resources are utilized in a manner that maximizes efficiency, thereby fostering trust and confidence in the stewardship of the water sector.
“Collaboration and Partnerships:
Through a collaborative approach, the Minister has cultivated strategic partnerships with development partners, stakeholders, and state governments, leveraging resources, expertise, and funding to achieve common goals in the water sector, thereby harnessing the collective strengths of all stakeholders to drive progress and development in the sector.”
The Empowerment for Unemployed Initiative and the Society for Open Governance and Transparency noted that Prof Utsev has made significant strides in the area of project delivery.
They pointed out that many water schemes and dam projects, which were abandoned for years without genuine excuses, have been completed and commissioned by the minister, while others are at different stages of completion.
The groups listed some of the notable projects commissioned and ongoing to include:
“Water Schemes and Dam Projects:
The Minister has inaugurated a plethora of water schemes and dam projects across various states, including Kano, Jigawa, Kogi, Benue, and Niger, with the primary objective of providing access to clean water and irrigation facilities for marginalized communities, thereby bolstering food security and socio-economic development.
“Hadejia Jam’are River Basin Development Authority Projects:
In Kano and Jigawa States, the Minister commissioned water projects executed by the Hadejia Jam’are River Basin Development Authority, including a 200,000-liter corrugated surface steel water tank, a serviced borehole powered by a hybrid solar inverter, and a 135-kilowatt capacity solar panel installation at Birnin-Kudu water works, all of which are designed to enhance water availability and quality in the region.
“Water Bottling Factory:
The Minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art water bottling factory at the headquarters of the Hadejia Jam’are River Basin Development Authority in Kano, which provides potable water on a commercial basis, generating revenue and creating employment opportunities for youths in the area.
“Kabba Bunnu, Lessel, and Rafin Yashin Multipurpose Dam Projects:
Furthermore, the Minister commissioned multipurpose dam projects in Kogi, Benue, and Niger States, including Kabba Bunnu, Lessel, and Rafin Yashin Dams, aimed at providing water for irrigation farming and scaling up food security, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting socio-economic growth.
“Framework for WASHCOM Formation and Management:
To ensure the judicious utilization and management of water schemes provided to communities across the country, Professor Utsev, along with his team in the ministry, the African Development Bank, and other critical stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector across the thirty-six states and FCT, developed a Framework for WASHCOM formation and management in Nigeria. This framework aims to involve community members in the management of WASH facilities in their areas to addressing the perennial challenges of frequent breakdowns and abandonment of water and sanitation facilities in communities, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.1 and 6.2.”
The groups praised Prof Utsev for his accomplishments so far and encouraged him to continue making progress.
They advised Nigerians to show understanding and support for the Tinubu administration’s dedicated efforts to tackle the pressing water challenges confronting the nation.
They also urged state governors to work with the Federal Government to invest in water infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.
The groups appealed to development partners to increase their support to help Nigeria achieve the lofty goal of providing 100% access to sustainable water and improved sanitation by the year 2030.
By Sunday James
The gruesome killing of 16 innocent northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State, over false accusations of kidnapping is yet another damning indictment of the failure of law and order in Nigeria.
Time and again, innocent lives have been lost to the mindless brutality of mob justice, a savage and inexcusable act that has become far too common across the country.
This is not an isolated incident. Nigeria has witnessed several tragic cases of jungle justice where angry mobs, fueled by misinformation and misplaced aggression, have taken the law into their own hands.
The Aluu Four incident in 2012, where four young university students in Rivers State were falsely accused of robbery, beaten, and burned to death in a horrific public spectacle, remains one of the most chilling examples.
In 2022, Deborah Samuel, a young student in Sokoto State, was lynched by fellow students over alleged blasphemy, an incident that sparked outrage but yielded little justice. In Lagos, several suspected petty thieves were set ablaze by mobs in broad daylight without any fair trial.
Across the country, from Anambra to Kano, Port Harcourt to Abuja, numerous cases of public executions by mobs continue to surface, often with little to no legal consequences for perpetrators.
The rise of mob justice is fueled by a cocktail of systemic failures that have left Nigerians disillusioned with formal justice mechanisms.
The breakdown of law and order, where the Nigerian police fail to deliver swift and transparent justice, has led to public distrust, encouraging citizens to take matters into their own hands. Rising insecurity, including the surge in kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes, has left many communities in perpetual fear, triggering knee-jerk reactions to perceived threats. Ethnic and religious tensions have also played a major role, with deep-seated biases making certain groups more vulnerable to targeted attacks.
The proliferation of unregulated local vigilante groups and security outfits has further emboldened extrajudicial actions against innocent civilians. Additionally, the slow pace of criminal trials and the failure to punish perpetrators of jungle justice have normalized impunity.The Edo killings, like many before them, must not be swept under the rug.
The government must ensure immediate arrest, prosecution, and conviction of all those involved in this heinous act. Strengthening law enforcement agencies to curb vigilante excesses and restore public trust is paramount.
There must be massive public enlightenment campaigns to educate citizens on legal redress rather than mob action. Strict penalties must be enforced against communities and groups involved in jungle justice to deter future occurrences.The Nigerian government must wake up to its responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring justice for all.
If mob justice continues unchecked, no one is truly safe. This latest atrocity in Edo should be the final warning: justice delayed is justice denied. The killers must be held accountable, and a nationwide crackdown on jungle justice must begin immediately. Enough is enough. The rule of law must prevail.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
The celebration marks the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje rejoiced with Muslims for the spiritual renewal and discipline attained during the sacred month of fasting, prayer and devotion to Almighty Allah.
He urged the faithful to uphold the virtues of piety, selflessness, and compassion that Ramadan represents while also extending love and kindness to one another, especially to the less privileged in society.
The APC National Chairman further called on Muslims and all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and national progress in the country.
He emphasized that the lessons of Ramadan—patience, sacrifice, and perseverance—are essential in fostering harmony and strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions.
The two-term Kano State Governor also urged the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in his efforts to lift the country from economic doldrums and resolve lingering security challenges.
He assured Nigerians of the APC-led government’s commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of all citizens, noting that Nigerians will not regret voting for President Tinubu after his first tenure.
News
Abia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
The Chairman of Aba North Local Government Council, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke has been accused of excesses and high-handedness in revenue collection at the popular Ariaria International Market.
In a statement issued on Monday by Ariaria Stakeholders Forum and signed by its Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Chukwudi and Secretary, Chief Boniface Kalu on Sunday, the Forum lamented the excesses of the Local Government where he used the soldiers to detain the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures, Mr Benedict Elias who is a law abiding citizen.
The statement made available to CAPITAL POST pointed out that Mr Elias was duely appointed as agent to Abia Stat3 Board of Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS), hence, he wasn’t carrying out illegality.
The LG however claimed to have the backing of Governor Alex Otti, but further findings revealed that the Governor would never support illegality to the extent that a law abiding citizen was arrested and detained.
A source told CAPITAL POST in Umuahia that Governor Otti believes in the rule of law and will not support any intimidation whatsoever.
Partof the statement read: “The attention of Ariaria Stakeholders Forum (ASF) have been formally drawn to the unlawful and improper action taken by the Local Government Chairman of Aba North Local Government, Mr Timothy Kalu Iheke who used soldiers to illegally arrest and detain the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures Nig, Mr Benedict Elias, a duely appointed Revenue Agent of Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), regarding the revenue collection at Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State.
“The Local Government Chairman of Aba North, Mr Timothy Iheke had attempted to unlawfully assume control over the revenue collection operations at the Ariaria Market, which is under the jurisdiction and authority of the Abia State Government wherein the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) is saddled with the responsibility of revenue collection in the said market.
“The Local Government Chairman has no legal authority to interfere with or take control of the revenue collection process that falls under the remit of the State Government market.
“However, despite this, the LG Chairman Mr Iheke had unlawfully and wrongfully used soldiers who before now have been banned by the appreciate authorities from engaging in such illicit activities to unlawfully arrest without any warrant of arrest and illegally detain Mr. Benedict Elias without any detention order at Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia for two days over false and baseless allegations.
“Mr Benedict Elias the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures Nig. a duly appointed and authorized Revenue Agent of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service was falsely accused of impersonation and of being a fake revenue agent, charges that are entirely unfounded and baseless.
“We would like to emphasize that Mr. Benedict Elias was legally and duely appointed on 13 September 2024 to 31 January 2025 by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, and was fully authorized to carry out revenue collection and enforcement duties at the Ariaria market which he stopped collection of any revenue at the expiration of the said contract with the state government.
“His appointment letter and identification as a state revenue agent, were in full compliance with the law and can be verified by the relevant authorities.
“The actions taken by the Local Government Chairman Mr Iheke and his unauthorized use of soldiers to arrest a legitimate state revenue agent are highly concerning and represent an overstep of authority.
“This interference not only disrupts the lawful revenue collection process but also undermines the authority of the State Executive Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti on which Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service is working for.
“The Board Chairman of BIRS had on many occasions warned Mr Timothy iheke to desist from harassing a Mr Benedict Elias and his team who are bonafide Abia State revenue agent in Ariaria market which is state owned but Iheke blatantly refused but rather threatened to deal with the Board Chairman for telling him to desist from working against the interest of the state government.
“As Stakeholders of Ariaria International Market which most of our members have been doing business in the market for over 40 years, we know Mr. Benedict Elias and he has never been involved in any form of illegality or any questionable acts. He is a man of integrity and uprightness.
“We respectfully request that an immediate investigation be initiated into the actions of the Local Government Chairman, Mr Timothy Iheke, and the use of soldiers in this unlawful arrest. Additionally, we ask that Mr. Benedict’s name be cleared and any wrongful actions against him be rectified.
“The relevant authorities at the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service should be consulted to verify Mr. Benedict’s legitimate position and the legal framework governing revenue collection at the Ariaria market.
“We trust that a thorough investigation will be conducted and appropriate action taken to ensure that the Aba North Chairman, Mr Timothy Iheke is brought to book to account for the use of soldiers on an unarmed and law-abiding civilian Mr Benedict Elias.”
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