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Indigenous Contractors Salute Minister of State’s Swift Intervention On Oustanding Debts
A delegation of indigenous contractors across Nigeria has commended the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite for her prompt intervention in addressing the long standing issue of outstanding payments owed to members of their community.
Speaking after a meeting with the Minister and her management team, the leader of the delegation, Mr Innocent Asuelimehn, said the engagement was fruitful and reassuring, describing the Minister’s response as timely and encouraging.
Mr Asuelimehn explained that the visit was undertaken on behalf of indigenous contractors nationwide, many of whom have been facing severe financial strain due to unpaid obligations. He expressed profound gratitude to the Minister for stepping in to address the issue, noting that her intervention within 24 hours of their initial engagement was remarkable and worthy of commendation.
According to him, although there is still work to be done, particularly regarding contractors whose payments are yet to be batched, the Minister’s actions have restored hope among members of the community. He added that the contractors are optimistic that she will continue to work with them to ensure that all outstanding liabilities are fully cleared.
Mr Asuelimehn also offered an apology to the Minister over an earlier confrontation, stressing that it was not intentional. He acknowledged that emotions had been high due to the prolonged hardship faced by contractors, but assured that such incidents would not recur going forward.
He further praised the Minister for her warm reception and willingness to sit down and engage directly with the delegation, describing the interaction as heart warming and confidence boosting. “It gave us hope that she is capable and dependable, and that her word can be trusted to get the job done,” he said, adding that the prolonged debt situation has taken a heavy toll on contractors and their families.
Also speaking, Mr Akin Amu, another member of the delegation, confirmed that the Minister reassured them of her commitment to resolving the matter. He disclosed that during their discussions, the Minister assured the contractors that she is working diligently to ensure all liabilities are settled before the end of March.
Mr Amu noted that the Minister informed them she is acting on a clear presidential mandate to deliver and ensure that all outstanding payments are cleared within the stipulated timeframe.
“From all indications, it was a fruitful discussion. We are hopeful that the promises made will be fulfilled,” he said.
The contractors collectively expressed appreciation for the Minister’s responsiveness, capacity, and sense of urgency, stating that her conduct has strengthened their belief that the issue will soon be fully resolved.
They reiterated their gratitude and optimism, expressing confidence that if the current pace is sustained, the long standing payment challenges facing indigenous contractors across the country will finally be brought to an end.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
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