FG To Finalise N1.5trn Road Concession Projects- Edun

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May 2, 2025

…As phase 1 Lagos-Calabar coastal highway 70% completed, to be delivered in 2026

By Charles Ebi

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says the Federal Government will soon finalise N1.5 trillion road concession project. Edun made the statement during a meeting with some private sector investors in Abuja.

He said that the government was on the verge of finalising the landmark N1.5 trillion road concession project, launched in 2021 under the Highway Development and Management Initiative ,HDMI.

The Minister said that the initiative aimed to involve private sector partners in the reconstruction and management of nine major highways across the country, spanning approximately 900 kilometers.

He said that the partners had almost completed all arrangements for the highways, which they would finance, rebuild, and maintain under 25 years concession agreements.

Edun said that the concessionaires were expected to recoup their investments through tolling fees.

“We met the concessionaires who have virtually concluded all the agreement arrangements for nine roads, nine major highways, which they are contracting to refinance the rebuilding of and to recover their funds from tolling fees under 25-year or so agreements.

“And we met them to iron out the remaining administrative obstacles for the kicking off construction of these roads”, he said.

Edun said that the substantial private sector investment would bridge budgetary gaps.

He added that it would also allow investors to undertake revenue-generating projects, leveraging their expertise and resources for long-term implementation and maintenance.

“Thereafter, it will be a question of signing the addendums and moving to the site.

“As you know, already the 125-kilometer Benin–Asaba Highway concession agreement has been signed. The addendum has been signed.

“All arrangements have been finalised, in fact, the ministry of works have handed over the road to the concessionaires.

“They have already started the preliminary arrangements for reconstruction of that road in place of a 10 lane highway.

“It is an investment, it’s a project and an initiative that will reduce the travel time between Benin and Asaba right up to the Niger Bridge”, the minister said.

Edun said that the Benin–Asaba Highway project, which has already commenced, is expected to reduce travel time between Benin and Asaba from four hours to one hour, significantly enhancing productivity and efficiency in the region.

He described the HDMI, launched in 2021, as a strategic programme by the federal government aimed at attracting private sector investment to improve Nigeria’s federal road network.

Edun said that the initiative seeks to address the challenges of inadequate funding and maintenance by leveraging Public-Private Partnerships ,PPP, to develop and manage road infrastructure.

Under the HDMI, 12 highways were initially selected for concession, covering a total of 1,963 kilometers.

These roads include Benin–Asaba, Abuja–Lokoja, Kano–Katsina, Onitsha–Owerri–Aba, Shagamu–Benin, Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga, Kano–Shuari.

Others are Potiskum–Damaturu, Lokoja–Benin, Enugu–Port Harcourt, Ilorin–Jebba, Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta, and Lagos–Badagry–Seme roads.

The Minister said that the initiative was projected to generate over 50,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.

The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi who joined the meeting virtually reassured the private sector partners on the HDMI of the federal government commitment.

He said that everything possible would be done to resolve the contending issues, adding he will soon be back to address all pending issues.

One of the concessionaires, Mr Kola Karim, representing Shoreline, emphasised the need for right and enforceable documents stipulating the takeoff and handover dates, which would attract investors to invest their funds.

Other private sector partners also requested for the addendum to the original agreement to be signed that would enable toll sections of the completed highways while work was in progress on other sections.

They noted that each concessionaire has unique challenges that should be dealt with accordingly. Also in the meeting were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission ,ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh.

in a similar vein, the Construction of Phase One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be completed in January 2026, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has said.

Umahi made the disclosure during an inspection tour of the highway.

“We came to review the project with the financial promoters – Dutch Bank and Development Bank of Southern Africa”, he said.

He said it was projected that 20km of the road (from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos) would have been completed by May.

“We are going to surpass the 20km from this site”.

Umahi said that the first phase of the highway project had been more than 70% completed although the contractor had not got funds up to the 70%.

“That is why I call them people that have set their minds towards nation-building rather than making money”,he said.

According to him, along the corridor, there are some lands that have been acquired for tourism, industries, factories and housing estates.

These are the road architecture that you are going to receive on this highway.

“I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we have this road completed”, the Minister said.

He said that the financial promoters of the highway were satisfied with the work progress, quality, method statement, and every other thing about the project.

He praised the contractor handling the project, Hitech Construction Company, for efforts.

“The road is exceptionally technically well-designed.

“The concrete thickness is designed for 275 millimetres but what they are doing is 280 millimetres.

“ I commend also the department in charge of this project the Department of Bridge and Roads, and, of course, the controller of works in Lagos”, he said.

Umahi said that the greatest worry he could have would be motorists joining the highway ‘from their houses’.

“It is going to be a very serious issue; so, we have to design a barrier.

“ I know that you are putting a retaining wall but you have not incorporated a retaining wall all through”.

He said that, as a superhighway, it would be expected that motorists would join it at flyovers and interchanges to avoid gridlock.

May Day: NUJ Calls For Greater Press Freedom, Better Working Conditions

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

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Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Council has called for greater press freedom and better working conditions for journalists.

NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, to celebrate Workers’ Day in Abuja.

She emphasised that press freedom was a non-negotiable right, not a privilege, and commended journalists for their invaluable contributions to the society.

Chairperson urged the Federal Government to prioritise press freedom and workers’ welfare, addressing challenges such as insecurity and economic hardship.

She also tasked journalists to continue promoting ethical journalism, championing better working conditions, and holding leaders accountable.

In this vein, she emphasised the media’s vital role in speaking out, defending press freedom, and protecting vulnerable voices as well as highlighted the struggles workers face due to the current economic situation, including rising costs of living, insecurity, and limited opportunities.

She then called on all sectors to support workers by creating better working environments and urged workers to remain united and steadfast.

As the first woman to lead the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike appealed for unity and action among workers, urging the government and employers to stand by workers and invest in their well-being.

“Workers’ Day is not just a day to honour the value of work, but also a day to recommit ourselves to protecting the civic space, where every voice matters, truth is defended, and rights are respected”, she said.

“Let us not allow economic struggles to take away our rights or silence us. Instead, let our difficulties unite us in building a fairer Nigeria where every worker can thrive”, she said.

Jailed INEC Official Didn’t Rig Election For Me – Akpabio

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

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President of the Senate,Senator Godswill Akpabio has denied any association with Professor Peter Ogban, the former Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, official who was convicted for electoral malpractice consummated in favour of the All Progressives Congress ,APC.

Akpabio stated that claims suggesting Ogban acted on his behalf as an electoral officer in Akwa Ibom were baseless, false, and malicious, aimed solely at damaging his reputation.

A statement, Wednesday in Abuja, by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong read, “For the umpteenth time, just like I did when Senator Godswill Akpabio was the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, the claim that the jailed INEC Electoral Officer, Prof. Peter Ogban, was convicted for rigging election in favour of the All Progressives Congress ,APC, is unfounded, spurious, malicious, and intended to tarnish the image of the President of the Senate.

“I had then, in a statement as his Chief Press Secretary, stated this much while reacting to the claim by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that Ogban was working towards rigging the election in Akpabio’s favour.

“To put the record in perspective, The News Agency of Nigeria ,NAN, had reported that Ogban, a professor of Soil Science at the University of Calabar was sentenced to three years imprisonment by an Akwa Ibom High Court for electoral fraud.

“This was after he was found guilty of fraudulent manipulation of the election results of Akwa Ibom North- West Senatorial District held on Feb. 23, 2019.

“Akpabio who was APC’s candidate at the election seeking re-election to the Senate, was rather a victim of the fraudulent manipulation of the election.

“In their desperation in a continuing campaign of calumny against Akpabio, they twisted the context of the judgement and maliciously claimed that the election was rigged in his favour. Nothing could be further from the truth. The facts of the case put a lie to this assertion.

“Contrarily, Akpabio was a victim of the fraudulent manipulation of the election of Akwa Ibom North- West Senatorial District held on Feb. 23, 2019. He is vindicated that the perpetrators of the electoral fraud are being brought to justice. At last, the chickens are coming home to roost.

“Akpabio did approach the National Assembly Election Tribunal to challenge the outcome of the election. In that election, Akpabio’s votes totaling about 61,329 scored at his home Local Government Area ,LGA, Essien Udim, having been collated, were not announced by Ogban in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“Rather, Ogban who served as the Senatorial District Returning Officer joined the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Uyo, where the votes and scores of Akpabio were cancelled in various polling units and collation centers of various LGAs constituting Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District. This was including 61,329 votes of his home LGA.

“The National Assembly Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal invalidated the election and a rerun was ordered in Essien Udim LGA.

“Sentencing Ogban had vindicated Akpabio and the APC that the election was massively rigged. I wonder why Akpabio would challenge the outcome of the election up to the Court of Appeal which upheld his appeal and ordered a rerun election if he was a beneficiary of the election fraud.

“For the avoidance of doubt Ogban never announced Akpabio as the winner of any election, instead he cancelled his lawful votes and announced his opponent as the winner of the manipulated election.

“It is the height of mischief for anyone to say that a man who arbitrarily cancelled lawfully collated votes of the APC and announced PDP winner of the election was working for Akpabio.

“It is obvious that some persons are being haunted by the ghost of the last election which they massively manipulated to reach a predetermined conclusion, a position which was confirmed by the Court of Appeal in Calabar.

“In due time, we believe all the conspirators will be brought to justice as Ogban, either through the judiciary or divine intervention he said.

“Akpabio had since moved on to become the President of the Senate and would not be distracted by baseless and unfounded reports by hatchet men and mischief makers”.

We’ve Paid N179bn In Pensions And Gratuities – Abiodun

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has stated that his administration has so far expended N179.7 billion in settling pensions and gratuities for state and local government retirees since its inception in 2019.

Governor Abiodun, who disclosed this at the 2025 Workers’ Day Celebration held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, said the backlog of pensions from 2012 to 2017 had been cleared, just as the backlog of National Housing Scheme remittances has also been cleared to ensure easy access to mortgage loans.

According to the governor, about 12,500 workers have benefited from car and motorcycle loans, which his administration has increased to the tune of N1.6 billion.

He said: “As a worker-friendly administration, we have made deliberate efforts to deepen our partnership with labor to improve working conditions and enhance the welfare of our workers across the state.

“This administration, since its inception in 2019, has cleared the pension backlog, and pensions are now paid alongside salaries. We have paid for the period from 2012 to 2017.

“A total of N179.7 billion has been disbursed as pensions and gratuities to both state and local government pensioners. The backlog of National Housing Scheme remittances has been cleared, easing access to mortgage loans.

“We have increased car and motorcycle loans to the tune of N1.6 billion, disbursed to about 12,500 beneficiaries”.

He said N8 billion was used to provide palliatives to state workers and pensioners between July 2023 and March 2024 to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on fuel.

Prince Abiodun also disclosed that 350 hectares of land at Ijemo/Onisela has been acquired and launched under a Sites and Services Scheme to support the aspirations of workers in the state to become property owners through mortgages.

To be named the Prince Dapo Abiodun Bureaucrats Estate, the governor said that the Sites and Services Scheme is a government initiative that provides essential infrastructure like roads, water, and electricity to an area, allowing individuals or businesses to develop properties at a lower cost.

Abiodun appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in repositioning the nation’s economy as well as galvanizing the workers for optimal productivity, acknowledging that with the various reforms of the federal government, inflation and prices of goods are gradually going down while the economy is picking up.

The Governor noted that the cooperation between the state government and the workers has positioned the state as a beacon of innovation, enterprise, and human capital development, placing the state on the path of sustainable development.

“With your support and cooperation, our administration has fully deployed available resources, culminating in a conducive business environment that has attracted and encouraged both local and foreign investors to strengthen our economy”, he said.

The Governor urged the state workforce to continue discharging their duties diligently by playing their part in helping the government revive the challenged economy as well as supporting the provision of infrastructure in all the urban and rural areas of the state.

The government, Governor Abiodun noted, is not oblivious to the hard realities on the ground brought about by economic challenges, saying that the government is working towards addressing them.

While describing the workers as the driving force for the socio-economic development of the state, he commended the workforce and their leadership for maintaining industrial harmony, which has contributed to the development witnessed in the state

Coalition Slams “Faceless” Critics Spreading Lies Against Defence Minister Matawalle

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

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The association of Six geopolitical zone comprising retired security officers, paramilitary personnel, and community security professionals, has issued a strong warning against what it described as “faceless and desperate” individuals spreading false narratives to undermine the efforts of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Micheal Ojokwu, on Friday, the Coalition denounced a wave of social media rumours that surfaced on Tuesday, falsely claiming that President Bola Tinubu had sacked Matawalle, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

The claims, attributed to a fabricated statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, alleged the dismissals were due to the ministers’ failure to curb ongoing violence across the country.

Describing the reports as “fake news,” the Coalition urged those behind the misinformation to cease their actions immediately, warning that such propaganda could derail the government’s efforts to restore peace and security.

“No amount of blackmail or fake news can distract a focused President from his mission,” the statement read.

The group praised Matawalle for his proactive role in sustaining military pressure on insurgents, noting that his achievements in less than two years surpass those of some predecessors. “If past defence ministers had done half of what Matawalle has accomplished, the conversation around insecurity would be different today,” Ojokwu said.

The Coalition highlighted Matawalle’s recent operational visit to Borno State alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, where they met with troops and received firsthand feedback. Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, accompanied the officials during the visit.

The group emphasised the synergy between the Defence Ministry and service chiefs, describing it as a testament to the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

The Coalition also underscored that Nigeria’s insecurity challenges predate the current administration and require collective action. “Security is not a one-man show.

The government alone cannot do it,” the statement said, calling for public support through intelligence gathering, community policing, and neighbourhood watch initiatives.

Addressing those spreading misinformation, the group warned against playing “dirty politics” at the expense of Nigerian lives.

“The year 2027 will come and go, but Nigeria will remain one,” it said, referring to the upcoming election cycle.

The Coalition reiterated its support for Matawalle, describing him as a dedicated leader who regularly visits frontline troops.

“He knows his onions and should not be distracted,” Ojokwu added, pledging continued backing for the minister’s efforts to curb insurgency.

May Day: Oyebanji Hails Ekiti Workers’ Resilience, Contributions To Development

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

0

….Says his govt has significantly improved workers’ welfare

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commended the resilience, sacrifice, commitment and patriotic zeal of Ekiti State workforce to the growth, development and socio-economic progress of the state..

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the commendation on Thursday while addressing workers at the 2025 edition of May Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, said the dedication of workers in the state has been instrumental in driving the state’s economic growth and sustaining its progress.

The Governor described workers as the backbone of the state’s progress and prosperity, and hailed Ekiti workers for the pivotal role they play in ensuring smooth running of the state’s economy and governance.

He added that his administration has fulfilled his critical obligations to the workforce by ensuring a safe and healthy work environment, fair wages and benefits and respect for workers’ rights, thereby restoring the dignity and pride of workers.

Governor Oyebanji explained that his government has been able to strengthen the workforce and reduce unemployment through various programmes instituted to reposition the public service.

Highlighting some of the notable achievements made by his administration that have positively impacted workers’ welfare, the Governor hinted that his government has recruited over 1,500 primary school teachers, 930 subject teachers in public secondary schools, 48 education officers, infrastructure upgrade, capacity development programs, approval and payment of minimum wage, disbursement of over 400 million naira house and vehicle loan to over 1,447 teaching and non-teaching staff, approval of career progression for primary school teachers to grade level 16, among others.

While reaffirming his commitment to transparent engagement with labour unions and policies that promote the workers welfare, the Governor urged labour leaders to note that this is a period for dialogue, synergy, mutual understanding in proffering solutions to perennial economic crisis and accountability in governance. He urged them to come forth with ideas, constructive opinions and strategies to transform the economy for the greater benefit of citizens.

“Today’s event is an opportunity to pay tribute to the working class and to appreciate their invaluable contributions and unflinching commitment to the overall development of Ekiti State and humanity in general. Let me therefore salute the industrious contributions of Ekiti workers, both in public and private sectors who have kept Ekiti moving and created the ever expanding Ekiti Economy for their hard work.

“I urge you to note that this is a period for dialogue, synergy, mutual understanding in proffering solutions to perennial economic crisis and accountability in governance. I urge workers as major stakeholders to come forth with ideas, constructive opinions and strategies to transform the economy for the greater benefit of the citizens. Let me assure you that on our part, all hands would continue to be on deck to explore better avenues that would make lives convenient for our people”,the Governor asserted.

In her welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi asserted that capturing the civic space by workers has become more critical than ever stressing the need for it to be retained through joint efforts of the government and workers through the various labor unions.

The Head of Service commended Governor Oyebanji’s cordial relationship with labour leaders. She also said the increased minimum wage for workers in the state is a reflection of the commitment to the Governor to the welfare of Ekiti people. The minimum wage, she said, had assisted every worker to inch forward in earning a living wage which would help provide basic necessities of life for themselves and their families.

Also speaking at the event, NLC Chairman, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde and TUC Chairman and national president of ASUSS, Comrade Sola Adigun expressed the appreciation of Ekiti workers to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his proactiveness to the welfare of workers in the state acknowledging his good nature and disposition to human resource development as well as all round infrastructural breakthrough in the state.

May Day: Celebrating Nigerian Workers’

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

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May 1, also known as the International Workers’ Day or La our Day is fixed to annually commemorate the struggles of organised labour in the quest for enhanced workers’ welfare.

Historically, May Day celebration dates back to 1886 when workers in the U.S., decided to go on strike against allowing them to work for more than eight hours a day. Thus, May Day is a symbol of workers’ resilience in demanding for better living conditions, among other demands. It is established that the first Labour Day, organised by Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, took place in India on May 1, 1923, and was thereafter celebrated around the world to advocate the rights of working people.

Ironically, workers in the U.S. and Canada are not joining their counterparts across parts of the globe for the celebrations where Nigerian workers align to celebrate the doggedness and resilience of the worker. The event is often characterised by parades by all organised workers, professionals, traders and other civil society organisations, among others. These countries had opted to celebrate differently to move away from the ‘socialist’ connotations attached to the May date.

In Nigeria May Day was first held in Kano in 1980 when the then administration of the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, under the leadership of late Governor Abubakar Rimi, declared the day as a public holiday. Soon, the federal government, then led by President Shehu Shagari, caught the bug and subsequently in 1981 declared a national holiday to applaud workers in their quest for national development. Since then, it has become a national event across the federation.

The quest for the relevance of the worker’s right began in Nigeria with a long and chequered history of trade unionism in Nigeria and the founding fathers who at different times suffered incarnations while agitating against the plight of workers.

We venerate those forerunners for their doggedness and foresight in promoting the welfare of the average Nigerian worker through the ages even as their fight transcends labour related matters to grave socio-economic issues bedeviling succeeding administrations at both the centre and regional levels. AljazirahNigeria extol their virtues which has far outlived them in leaps and bounds. However, it is reinforcing to acknowledge their pioneering efforts without which we would not be where we are today.

We salute workers across the globe and particularly Nigeria the celebrations which marked

The concerns of workers today hinges on the parlous state of our economy which is biting hard and taking a toll on the purchasing power of the average worker and indeed Nigerians.

We support their calls for an improved welfare for workers and a systematic confrontation against the odds affecting the nation’s wellbeing.

It is still detestable that some states and local governments are yet to commence the implementation of the national minimum wage in long after it was passed into law.

Being an indispensable force for national development, today’s event has become a reference point in calling to remembrance the ingenuity and sacrifice by Nigerian workers for economic development and a day for justice and equity. No doubt, current travails occasioned by what is termed reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in rescuing the nation’s economy from the doldrums have affected not only the living conditions of workers, but also the average Nigerian. We do hope the living conditions would gradually improve with the quality of life enhanced eventually.

However, one major issue President Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero confronted at this year’s event was the shrinking civic space in Nigeria which is being compressed, restricting citizens from freely expressing themselves using security measures.

We reiterate that the freedom of association and free speech and indeed the rule of law should not be violated or curtailed at the expense of political expediency by the powers that be.

It is noteworthy that President Tinubu and the Senate President have respectively commended Nigerian workers for their indelible marks at promoting socio-economic development of the country is instructive even as we urge that agitations by the labour centres for a better living condition for the average Nigerian being a cardinal focus of Labour should not be overlooked.

Tinubu Heads To Katsina For 2-Day Visit

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

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By Uche Onyeali

President Bola Tinubu will today (Friday) embark on a two-day official visit to Katsina State.

Special Adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement.

He said the visit would focus on security and development priorities in the north-western state.

“During the visit, the president will meet with key stakeholders to assess the security situation.

“He will commission the Katsina Agricultural Mechanised Centre and a 24km dual carriageway completed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda,” the statement said.

Aside official duties, according to the statement, the president will also attend the wedding ceremony of Radda’s daughter.

The president is expected to return to Abuja after the engagements on Saturday.

Police Foil Attack In Katsina, Recover Motorcycles

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

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From Our Correspondent

Operatives of Katsina State Police Command successfully foiled an attempted attack in Dutsinma Local Government Area by bandits and recovered three operational motorcycles used by the criminals.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, April 30, when a patrol team from Dutsinma Division intercepted suspected armed bandits near Yanshantina village.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that the patrol, led by a Superintendent of Police, engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee.

“During the encounter, three Boxer motorcycles used by the suspected bandits were recovered at the scene,” the source disclosed.

While some of the criminals escaped into the nearby bush, security personnel are said to be intensifying efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

NJC Suspends 3 Judges, 27 Others Under Investigation

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ALJAZIRAH

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May 2, 2025

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By Anthony Ochela, Abuja

National Judicial Council, NJC, has placed Justices Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara, on one-year suspension without pay.

NJC’s spokesperson, Mrs. Kemi Babalola said the decision was taken at its 108th meeting held in Abuja between April 29 and 30.

The council also set up nine committees headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to investigate allegations of misconduct raised in petitions against 27 other judges.

Part of the statement reads: “The council suspends Justice Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, for one year without pay, as the investigation committee found His Lordship to have breached Rule 3 (5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

“Inyang was found to have abused his office by issuing inappropriate ex-parte orders for the sale of Udeme Esset’s petrol station and other businesses at interlocutory stage of the case.

“The act of judicial misconduct occurred while His Lordship presided over suit no FHC/UY/CS/46/2023 at the Federal High Court, Uyo before his elevation to the Court of Appeal.

“Furthermore, Justice Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has been placed on suspension for one year without pay. His Lordship was also placed on a watch-list for five years and barred from elevation for five years.

“The complaints against Ekwo arose from charge no FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, wherein His Lordship delivered a ruling in a pending application without hearing the parties.

“His Lordship ignored an application to set aside the proceedings of the court conducted in the absence of the parties.

“Subsequently, he proceeded to deliver a ruling dismissing the charge against the defendants.

“Consequently, His Lordship was found to have violated Rule 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The council also suspended Justice Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division for a period of one year without pay for judicial misconduct in breach of Rule 3 (1) and 5 of the 2016 Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

“It also placed His Lordship on the watch-list for three years, within which he is barred from elevation.

“Baffa was found liable for act of judicial misconduct in suit no FHC/GS/CS/30/2021, the Government of Zamfara State vs EFCC, wherein His Lordship granted an order restraining security agencies from carrying out their statutory duties and disregarded the doctrine of stare decisis in adjudication of the case.

“The council also issued a letter of caution to Justice A. O Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, in a petition filed by Kasali Azeez Olagoke and S. Hamza in suit no FHC/CS/2021 between Chief Adesanya Musediku against the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Onikan, Zone 2.

“The petition against Justice Othman Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was put in abeyance pending the outcome of the decision of the Court of Appeal arising from suit no FCT/HS/BW/2274/15.

“The petition against Justice C. N Mbonu Nwenyi of the High Court of Anambra State by one Professor Paul Obianaso was discountenanced after investigation revealed that there was no misconduct on the part of His Lordship.

“Another petition against Justice I. E. Ekwo in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2015 was put in abeyance pending the outcome of appeal before the Court of Appeal.

“Council discountenanced a petition by Mrs Adaku Amadi against Justice R. B Haastrup of the National Industrial Court, as the petitioner withdrew her complaints.

“Council equally considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which contained a total number of 43 petitions.

“Nine committees were empanelled for further investigation of 11 petitions, while 29 petitions were dismissed for lacking in merit.

“Three petitions against Justices Abubakar Babashani of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory; Isaac Essien of the National Industrial Court; and A. O Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory by Henry Chinweike Okoro; Ikemefuna Stephen Nwoye, and Lassborn Chichebem Orjiugo, respectively, were put in abeyance pending the decisions of the Court of Appeal.

“Council also considered a petition by Mahmud Aliyu against the appointment of three judges to the High Court of Zamfara State.

“The petitioner complained that the exercise conducted in 2022 by the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission, which led to the emergence of shortlisted candidates was not transparent and was characterised by nepotism, high-handedness and non-compliance with Rules 4, 5 and 6 of the NJC guidelines for the appointment of Judicial Officers 2014.

“That the nominees were unilaterally picked by the chairman of the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission in disregard of the NJC’s guidelines on merit-based assessment.

“Council, however, deliberated on its committee’s findings on the petition and resolved that the petitioner was an interested party who had indicated interest, but was not selected as a candidate.

“Council noted that the petitioner’s allegations were unsubstantiated and substantially based on falsehood.

It, therefore, resolved that the “petitioner who was a candidate for judicial appointment and intentionally peddled falsehoods against another aspiring judicial officer will be barred from participation in any future exercise.”

FG To Finalise N1.5trn Road Concession Projects- Edun

May Day: NUJ Calls For Greater Press Freedom, Better Working Conditions

Jailed INEC Official Didn’t Rig Election For Me – Akpabio

We’ve Paid N179bn In Pensions And Gratuities – Abiodun

Coalition Slams “Faceless” Critics Spreading Lies Against Defence Minister Matawalle

May Day: Oyebanji Hails Ekiti Workers’ Resilience, Contributions To Development

May Day: Celebrating Nigerian Workers’

Tinubu Heads To Katsina For 2-Day Visit

Police Foil Attack In Katsina, Recover Motorcycles

NJC Suspends 3 Judges, 27 Others Under Investigation

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