News
Works minister summons contractors handling federal roads in Niger.
From Lateef Taiwo
The minister of works David Umahi has directed the contractors handling the construction of federal roads in Niger state to appear before him today Friday to explain the slow pace of work.
Umahi who decried the deplorable condition of the federal roads,Abuja - Minna and Abuja- Lapai- - Bida roads saying he did not see any construction work done by the contractors handling the projects.“I delibrately travelled by road from Abuja to see the condition of the roads by myself to attend a Stakeholders Engagement on the construction of the 125KM 3-lanes single carriage of the Niger State component of the 1068KM of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhughway, said he did not see any work done. By Salini Nigeria Limited, the construction company that handled the project”
The Minister stated this on Wednesday in MINNA,during his keynote address at the stakeholders meeting held at the Idris Legbo Kutigi Conference Hall in Minna.
According to him,the federal roads in Niger State are in a terrible condition I am very happy to see it and I want Nigerians to see that this is just a tip of the iceberg of the inherited projects of Mr President. These are exactly the kind of projects. We have worst situations in some states.Umahi further explained that President TInibu’s administration inherited 2,604 projects as at May 29, 2023 totalling N13 trillion as at that time. while certified projects of debts to contractors was about N1.6 trillion.,” after we reviewed those projects by the realities on the ground, those projects are a total of over N19 trillions”
“I was very happy that I came through the roads and I thank my permanent secretary.
What I saw on that road was very disturbing. It was said to have been completed 84.5 percent and even paid for and I was forced to stop and ask “where do we start counting this 84.5 percent”, and they could not tell us. So nothing was done.
“I have resolved to take a decisive actions on that road,all the contractors are to report in my office this week Friday, There is no way we can allow a project to be as old as 14 years and the contractor is receiving annual budget. I don’t envy Salini, but always comes and he receives money and goes back yet nothing is done to complete the road”
Earlier the Niger State, Governor' Mohammed Bago condemned the poor state of the Abuja-Minna federal roads. describing Salini Nigeria Limited as a failed Construction firm.and called on the Works minister to revoke all the road contracts the company is handling in the state, requested that the revoked jobs should be given to Hytech and CCEC.
" With all indication SALINI are a failed company and they don't have capacity, I'm calling on you to give messers Hytech, and CCEC. That of Suleja-Minna should also be revoked and given to Hytech and CCECC. These companies have proven and shown capacity,Bago re - emphasised.Bago said” I will like to be there on Friday,I will come with the data and look at them in the face and tell them they have failed because the kind of work they are doing is responsible for the huge collapse of these roads
they should give us guarantee of 30 or 50 years,”
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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