NEWS
Okpbholo, Umahi Lament Poor State of Federal Roads in Edo
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpbholo, and the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, were visibly moved as they lamented the appalling condition of federal roads in Edo State.
A government house statement in Benin City, on Thursday has it that they described the plight of motorists as both tragic and unacceptable.
They bared their minds during an inspection of the Benin–Warri dual carriageway bypass, where they decried the hardship faced daily by commuters, noting that the situation reflects years of neglect that can no longer be ignored.
After the inspection, Gov Okpbholo and Engr Umahi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention and commitment to reversing decades of infrastructural decay, even as they underscored the urgency of delivering immediate and lasting solutions.
The Minister of Works noted that no motorist could travel 100 kilometres on federal roads nationwide without encountering major challenges.
He pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited an extensive backlog of failed road and bridge projects from past administrations, but stressed that the President has demonstrated courage, commitment and determination to reverse the situation.
“President Tinubu met an overwhelming situation in terms of roads and bridges. You can’t travel 100 kilometres on federal roads without encountering serious difficulties. But the President is showing resolve, and Nigerians are already commending his efforts,” Umahi stated.
The Minister cited commendations from prominent Nigerians, including Arise Television Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena, as evidence that the Tinubu administration’s road interventions are already resonating with the public.
He dismissed criticisms from some quarters, insisting that the President remains focused on delivering durable roads.
Engr Umahi praised Gov Okpbholo for promptly intervening in critical failed portions of the Benin–Warri highway after the termination of a contract earlier awarded to Levante Construction Company under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme.
He explained that Levante executed only four kilometres of reinforced concrete pavement in stable sections of the road, neglecting the worst segments despite repeated warnings.
“The contract was terminated after months of delay and poor work. We appealed to Governor Okpbholo to take over the first 23 kilometres, which he promptly awarded to CBC. The quality of their work is commendable,” Umahi disclosed.
The Minister added that the federal government has directed the new contractors to reinforce the road base, elevate the carriageway, and ensure no weak points are left unaddressed. He also appealed to Governor Okpbholo to extend his intervention to an additional nine kilometres, praising his willingness to collaborate.
Engr Umahi further assured that President Tinubu’s road projects are designed with reinforced concrete technology to last between 50 and 100 years. He urged contractors to accelerate construction, working even at night, and directed the Federal Controller of Works in Edo State to provide photographic updates of progress.
While acknowledging funding challenges following the suspension of NNPC tax credit funding, Engr Umahi revealed that President Tinubu has ordered the continuation of all such projects nationwide.
He also hinted at a forthcoming federal intervention in Edo tagged “Coaster Highway,” describing it as a gift to the state.
Gov Okpbholo, in his remarks, commended the Minister for his prompt response to Edo’s infrastructural challenges.
He recalled his recent personal inspection of the road, where he was disturbed by the sight of multiple accidents and stranded motorists.
“I almost wept when I saw the number of vehicles, including trailers, that had broken down or fallen on this road. The situation demands urgent action, and I am glad the Minister has joined us to push for solutions,” the Governor said.
Gov Okpbholo stressed that quality road infrastructure is not only essential for the people’s welfare but also critical for the ruling party’s credibility. He assured that the ongoing work, though slow due to concrete technology, will provide a lasting solution and should be completed before the next rainy season.
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“We are determined to fix this road. If I do my part and the federal government does its part, nobody will criticize the President. For our people to trust us, we must act. With more contractors on site, this project can be delivered on schedule,” Okpbholo affirmed.
They jointly assured Edo residents that the federal government remains committed to delivering durable and sustainable road infrastructure across the state and the nation at large.
NEWS
FCT Police Warn Motorists Against One-Way Driving, Reject Calls From VIPs
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned motorists against driving against traffic, popularly known as one-way, cautioning that influential connections or calls from senior police officers and government officials will not shield offenders from prosecution.
The Command said the practice, particularly around road construction sites, diversion points and restricted routes, poses serious risks to lives and property.
SEE ALSO: Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador
In a press statement issued on Monday, November 9, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Command was concerned about the increasing disregard for traffic regulations by motorists who deliberately drive against traffic, ignore road signs and bypass designated diversions to avoid congestion.
Adeh stressed that no individual, regardless of status, position or connections, would be exempted from the consequences of violating traffic regulations.
She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, had directed the Command’s Motor Traffic Department (MOTOPOL) and all Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs) to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement operations.
According to the statement, the directive includes the arrest and immediate prosecution of motorists caught driving against traffic or disobeying lawful traffic instructions.
The Commissioner also warned police officers involved in the enforcement exercise against exploiting the operation to extort motorists, stressing that any officer found engaging in such misconduct would face disciplinary action in line with existing police rules and regulations.
The Command urged motorists to exercise patience, obey traffic signs and follow instructions from authorised traffic officers, noting that saving a few minutes through reckless driving was not worth the risk of losing lives or damaging property.
It also called on residents to remain security-conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
The Command provided the following emergency contact numbers for security-related reports: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
NEWS
FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.
The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.
SEE ALSO: October 1 Protests: FCT Police Call For Increased Vigilance Among Residents
The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.
During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.
He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.
The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.
He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.
Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.
NEWS
2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”






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