NEWS
FG approves N27bn for construction of Kishi-Kaima Road
The Kwara Government on Monday said the Federal Government has approved N27 billion for the construction of Kishi-Kiama Road in the state.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, the financial approval was why the state government stopped work on the road.
“The Federal Ministry of Works has informed us that we should stop work on that road because they have got new approval from the Federal Government and the contract for the road has been reissued at N27bn.
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“The Kishi-Kaiama road is very important for the whole of the country because of the volume of trade in farm produce,” he said.
“The contract was first awarded over 10 years ago and it is a federal road. However, nothing was happening.
“When we came, we tried to continue the project and the Federal Ministry of Works has now asked us to terminate the contract and vacate the road.
“The ministry said the former administration in the state gave the contract to a company that did not meet the requirements.
“We removed them and gave it to the company that came second in the bid and we mobilised the company with as much as N600m.
“Our latest communication with them (FG) was that they want to re-award the contract and that our own contractor should vacate the site.
“That is why work has stopped on Kishi-Kaiama Road,” Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq was quoted as saying.
According to the statement, the governor promised that work will begin on Bode-Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu Road next year, saying the project would be financed through a portion of BUA Group tax.
“We are also trying to construct Bode-Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu Road using the road tax infrastructure scheme with BUA Group.
“Hopefully, by the first quarter of 2023 work should begin on that road.
“The plan is that BUA Group will use a portion of its tax to the Federal Government to fund the road.
“We have been on that discussion with BUA to open up Bode-Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu Road.
“Most of our major roads are federal roads and they are in deplorable conditions,” Abdulrazaq said.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has inaugurated a 12-member committee tasked with recovering government vehicles reportedly in private hands.
The committee, led by Kelly Okungbowa, has been given a two-week mandate to retrieve the vehicles and ensure their return to the state government.
READ ALSO: Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of accountability in the management of public resources.
He urged the committee to carry out its assignment thoroughly and within the bounds of the law.
In his response, Okungbowa expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting the team with the assignment, vowing to deliver results within the stipulated timeframe.
“A lot of vehicles used by the past administration are missing, as those in custody of the vehicles have refused to return them,” Okungbowa said.
“The governor deemed it fit to inaugurate us today with a mandate to recover all government vehicles in private hands.”
The committee, which includes representatives from Edo’s three senatorial districts, is set to investigate and recover the vehicles based on credible intelligence already at their disposal.
“We already have vital information regarding some persons still holding government vehicles,” Okungbowa stated. “We will do the job according to the law, and both the government and the people will be satisfied with the outcome.”
He also called on members of the public to assist the committee by providing information about any government vehicles that may still be in private possession.
“We want to appeal to members of the public who might be aware of anyone still keeping government vehicles in their houses to please inform us to enable the committee to recover such for the Edo State Government,” Okungbowa said.
The committee’s vice chairman, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, will work alongside other members to ensure the success of the initiative. The public can reach the committee at 08110165121.
To address Nigeria’s ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year, the Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure a ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2 billion) loan.
The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session, where a voice vote confirmed the approval following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
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Chaired by Senator Wammako Magatarkada (APC, Sokoto North), the committee endorsed the loan request as a vital step in managing the country’s fiscal challenges.
Recall that President Tinubu had submitted the proposal earlier in the week, outlining the loan as a crucial component of his administration’s external borrowing strategy.
Details shortly…………..
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, has been arrested by Finnish authorities on allegations of inciting terrorist activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his detention following an incident that reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021.
READ ALSO: Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also seeking the arrest of four other individuals in connection with the case. Officials say the charges involve public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the police said in a statement.
Details regarding the additional suspects or the specifics of the alleged crimes remain unclear as the investigation continues. Authorities have emphasized the sensitive nature of the case, stating that further information will be disclosed as the inquiry progresses.
This development marks a significant step in Finland’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety.
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