News
Federal Government Issues Stern Warning to Contractors Responsible for Abuja and Port Harcourt Road Projects
“Minister Dave Umahi Issues 2-Week Deadline for Completion of Abuja and Port Harcourt Road Remedial Works”
During his inspection of ongoing road projects in Rivers State and its surroundings, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave contractors handling remedial works on federal roads in Abuja and Port Harcourt a strict two-week ultimatum to finish their respective projects.
Umahi also instructed state Controllers of Works to ensure that only road projects allowing smooth passage for motorists along their entire length and breadth would receive certificates of payment for his signature.
He stated, “I have directed that any project awarded to a contractor where motor users cannot traverse the entire length and breadth will not receive my signature on the certificate. Contractors must maintain all aspects of the roads as per their contracts.”
Further emphasizing his directive, Umahi announced that the Federal Government would no longer accept road contract certificates for payment generated by a single individual. He insisted that both the contractor and resident engineer must sign the certificates, and various controllers and directors at the regional and state levels should oversee inspections and generate work reports. He stated, “The moment I see that things are working, I will sign within 6 hours.”
Umahi also emphasized the importance of ensuring road quality, saying, “If you want to use asphalt, continue with it, but you must sign a performance bond ensuring the road remains intact during the project’s lifetime.” He refuted the notion that overloading is the primary cause of road failures, noting that many contractors handle multiple jobs with limited equipment.
Furthermore, the Minister directed that contractors without COREN-certified engineers must not be allowed to work, and he warned that certificates would be withdrawn from any consultants or civil servants who behaved inappropriately.
Umahi expressed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving road infrastructure to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian road users. He acknowledged that roads are vital for commerce, solid minerals, medicine, education, agriculture, and food security.
During his inspection, the Minister was approached by Eleme youths, and he promised to collaborate with them to ensure that the road’s condition improves.
Projects inspected by the Minister in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states included the Aba-Port Harcourt road, Bodo Bonny road, Ogoni bridge, Reconstruction of Abak-Ekparakwa-Ette-Ikot Abasi road, and the dualisation of the East West Road Section four at Eket By Pass.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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