NEWS
FG Reroutes Lagos-Calabar Highway By 9km
The Nigerian government has yielded to stakeholders and the public by rerouting the Lagos-Calabar highway by 9 kilometers, away from the shoreline, and back to the initial route.
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, made the disclosure in Lagos on Thursday while addressing stakeholders.
He revealed that 750 homes situated in the vicinity of the highway had been designated for removal.
The decision to reroute was made so as to protect the submarine cables, an Independent Power Plant (IPP) and other critical business infrastructure, which would have been affected with strong impacts on the security and the economy.
Engr Umahi said, “We have three critical infrastructure that are located on one spot. One is the 2Africa submarine cable that cuts across 33 countries connecting about three billion people. That cable landed at Mopo and where it landed, the West African cable systems (WACS) had already been located there about 17 years ago.
“We have a mega IPP which is to provide power to the 2Africa cable and the WACS cable. The power plant is a 50 megawatt power plant expected to support this infrastructure.
“The (new) corridor is passing right on the submarine cable and the other side is on the IPP. You cannot have the submarine cables without power. They will not function. The submarine cable is a critical national security infrastructure. If it is affected, everybody will be affected.
“Two months ago, there was a challenge as far as Cote d’Ivoire but a significant part of Africa was blanked out. Our appeal today is in view of the fact that this is not just a private project, it’s a national project, it’s the internet gateway to the nation and it’s linked to national security.
“We are therefore appealing that for this critical infrastructure located at Mopo, that the road be diverted back to the original gazette.
“We welcome and commend the federal government for building this road, we think this is a major national infrastructure that enhances development, but we’re appealing that for such national telecommunications infrastructure, government should find a way of being sensitive to that reality, and divert the road away from this critical national infrastructure.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have our proposal here and we have the old alignment, the gazetted alignment.
“To the glory of God, to solve MTN, 2Africa and Okun Ajah community (complaints), we are diverting completely from the new alignment and we are rejoining back to our new alignment at kilometer 25. Congratulations.”
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, hairman of Dangote Industries Limited, has voiced confidence that Nigeria’s economy could be revitalized within months through concerted efforts between the government and private sector.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after his induction into the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, Dangote emphasized the potential for collaboration to drive substantial economic turnaround.
The PECC, comprising high-level officials and key private sector leaders like Tony Elumelu of United Bank of Africa and Bismarck Rewane of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, aims to provide strategic guidance to policy-making.
READ MORE: https://biztellers.com.ng/dangote-slams-cbns-interest-rate-hike-warns-of-job-losses/
Dangote pledged that both sectors would work closely to advise and implement policies crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.
He said “This is where the public and private sector will work together. We will advise the government on the type of policies needed to revamp the economy.
“Our economy can be turned around in a few months. Things will soon change. We will work to make sure that things change for the better.
Recall that during a three-day summit organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Abuja earlier this week, business tycoon Aliko Dangote advocated for new policies aimed at safeguarding and promoting the development of local industries.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritize the protection of existing businesses, particularly manufacturers, by creating conducive operational environments.
He stressed “Nobody can create jobs with an interest rate of 30%. No growth will happen. We must look to leading countries in the West and the East who are actively protecting their domestic industries.
“Import dependence is equivalent to importing poverty and exporting jobs. No power, no growth, no prosperity. Similarly, no affordable financing, no growth, no prosperity. There is no industrialisation without protection. Ignoring these facts is what gives rise to insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and abject poverty.”
In a significant act of digital activism, the hashtags #Tinubumustgo and #EndBadGovernance2024 have surged to the top of X’s trending topics, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political leadership.
A striking image bearing the message “End bad Governance in Nigeria 2024” has become the emblem of this growing movement, demanding the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and advocating for improved governance across the nation.
The protest urges Nigerians from all tribes, religions, and regions to join, highlighting a collective effort to tackle the country’s challenges.
Uproar As Angry Nigerians Ignite ‘#TinubuMustGo’ Campaign On Social Media
Recall that, President Tinubu who assumed office in 2023, has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for years.
However, his presidency has faced substantial criticism, with major issues like persistent economic difficulties, widespread insecurity, and the high cost of living driving public discontent.
These hashtags have united Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, resonating with a shared frustration with the current situation.
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts calling for change as one user tweeted, “Nigeria deserves better leadership. #TinubuMustGo,” while another wrote, “End bad governance now! #EndBadGovernance2024.”
The appellate court in Abuja has overturned a Rivers High Court order that had barred Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from serving as state assembly lawmakers.
The decision came from a three-judge panel led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada, who ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and that the case should be addressed by a federal high court.
Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his colleagues appealed a Port Harcourt High Court order prohibiting them from acting as legislators.
Rivers Political Turmoil: Pendulum Swings In Favour Wike’s Camp
On May 30, High Court Judge Charles Wali issued an order preventing the lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction from conducting legislative sessions, including within legislative quarters.
Judge Wali also barred Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from engaging with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.
The lawsuit was initiated by Victor Oko Jumbo, another factional speaker, along with legislators Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, all supporters of Governor Fubara.
The High Court declared that all laws enacted by Amaewhule and his faction would be invalid until the case was resolved.
In their appeal, Amaewhule and his group sought to overturn the lower court’s judgment and invalidate the actions taken by Jumbo’s faction.
The appellate court’s ruling now allows Amaewhule and his colleagues to resume their legislative duties, pending further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has strongly criticized and rejected the appellate court’s verdict, arguing that it gives politicians a free pass to switch parties without facing consequences.
The coalition’s executive director, Dr. Samson Iroegbunam, condemned the Court of Appeal’s decision, likening it to legitimizing illegal actions and asserting that lawmakers cannot be allowed to exploit laws they disregard.
He said “The Appeal Court has now created new complications with the judicial precedence it has set instead of giving rulings that stabilise Nigeria’s democracy and enhance the rule of law.”
The group urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm, asserting that the judgment would not stand the test of time.
They emphasized that democratic-minded stakeholders in the state have indicated plans to pursue the matter to the Supreme Court to ensure the will of the people is respected.
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