₦airaland Forum

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with former Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole in his office at the Presidential Villa.It was learnt that the meetings was their first since Oshiomhole left as governor in November 2016.

Though details of the meeting was not made known but ‎Oshiomhole “only came to thank the President for the support he gave him as a governor, particularly for visiting and commissioning some projects in the state three days before he left office in November last year,”‎ said a source last night.

According to the source, the former Edo governor was also in the Presidential Villa, to wish President Buhari a happy New Year.‎The source however declined to comment on the speculations that the former Governor was in the Villa in connection with plans by President Buhari to co-opt him into the next cabinet said to be contemplated by the President.

Specifically, there have been rumours suggesting that even before he left office last November, President Buhari had concluded plans to make Oshiomhole, Minister of Petroleum Resources once the arrangements to re-jig his cabinet were finalised.

It was learnt last night that the former Edo governor earned Presidency’s confidence following his contributions which led to the emergence of Buhari as President of Nigeria

Nigeria is planning to overhaul about 50 bridges nationwide, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said.

Mr. Fashola unveiled the plan when he was inspecting the rehabilitation of Lagos Ring Road Bridge Abutment and Approach to the Third Mainland Bridge project on Tuesday in Lagos.

He told journalists that some columns and beams of the Third Mainland Bridge were threatened because of human activities, sand filling and ecological factors which resulted in erosion.

“The work we have come to inspect was awarded some years back when there was an indication of some mis-alignments here on the Lagos Outer Ring Road which is the beginning of what leads on to the Third Mainland Bridge itself which is just about here.

“And it is being caused by erosion, sand filling and other activities.

“This road has moved as a result of some sub-soil displacement,” Mr. Fashola said.

He said that the project which was slowed down by funding would be completed in November.

The minister said that many of the bridges in Lagos and across the country had suffered neglect and had not been undergoing routine maintenance.

Mr. Fashola said that the current administration was determined to correct the trend and had begun the process for maintenance of about 50 bridges across the country “if it receives the support of the legislature.”

“Many of the bridges we built in the country over the last four, five decades have not been under any form of maintenance.

“We now have a three-year plan affecting over 50 bridges across the country for maintenance, repairs and restoration.

“And it is going to cost about N270 billion over three years.

“Our plan is to start with about N70 to N100 billion in year one; starting with the very critical ones so that they do not collapse and then we move to the less critical ones,” he said.

The minister said that the government had done all the survey and assessments to unravel the problems of the bridges, adding that, it was waiting for appropriation and approval of funds to execute the projects.

He decried indiscriminate parking and trading activities in some parts of Ebute Ero toward the Third Mainland Bridge.

Mr. Fashola warned that government would take action soon.

“I want to appeal to those people who use those areas as car parks and trading to start moving voluntarily in their own best interest.

“We intend to repose our right of way while work is going on, on the Outer Marina to free traffic,” he said.

The minister directed engineers to begin work to realign the Apongbon bridge.

Gianfranco Albertazzi, the Joint Managing Director, Boroni Prono and Co Nig. Ltd- contractors of the project, told journalists that some piers, alignment and decks and piles of the bridge were affected.

(NAN)

maclatunji:
Continue, I know haters and self-appointed 'objective critics' will never see these fundamental reforms taking place and will be posting rubbish but Nigeria is surely getting better.

GoggleB:
With that so called BVN so accounts are still not safe.

The Borno State Government has earmarked N4 billion for the construction of roads into the Sambisa forest and some liberated border communities of the state.

Commissioner for Works and Transport, Adamu Lawan, spoke yesterday in Maiduguri, while responding to Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor demands for individuals, governments and corporate organisations to assist the military construct roads into Sambisa forest.

He said the state government will support the Army in the reconstruction efforts. Besides the budgetary allocation, the state government also donated seven trucks and three excavators to the Army to build eight roads into the forest.

When the roads are completed, they will link many liberated communities in six council areas of Bama, Gwoza, Chibok, Damboa, Askiara/Uba and Konduga.

Lawan added that the access roads could also facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to border communities of Kala/Balge, Abadam, Gashigar, and Mallam Fatori on the shores of Lake Chad.

“Already, heavy duty trucks have been deployed to some of the liberated communities to assist the military in clearing roads of explosives; and activate fishing, farming and other socio economic activities,” said Lawan

Fiery Catholic priest and the spiritual director of the Adoration Ministries, Emene, Enugu State, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari’s style of leadership, especially the biting economic condition under us rule.

Mbaka, who prophesied the emergence of Buhari in 2015 and was regarded as one of his supporters, warned the President not to allow God regret putting him in office.
He said Buhari must act fast to save Nigerians from further hardship, as “many Nigerians are suffering.”

Though he scored the President high on his anti-graft war and security, Mbaka said: “Nigerians are hungry, they want to see more changes. There is the need to assist businessmen and women in their businesses.”

He also advised Buhari to appoint experts who would help him revive the economy and consult Church leaders and eminent men of God to advise him on the true state of the economy.

“We cannot reach him for advice because of the kind of people around him.

“President Buhari is warned; if he doesn’t change his style he may not complete his office. Nigerians are losing hope, they are losing their trust. If our leaders continue to mess up, the solution will come from above.

“Nigeria is passing through a deep recession, the economy is moving into the intensive care unit. Spiritually, we need oxygen and sustaining hospital equipment. We are calling on President Buhari, let him be fast and inaugurate a credible economic team so that this country does not die economically in his hands.

“Nigerians do not want to accept excuse from you; you promised them change, Nigerians want to see the change. Wake up, Mr. Presiden, wake up, Nigerians are dying in your hands. Those around you, are they not deceiving you, telling you that everything is well? Mr. President, it is not well. We pray it shall be well. Now, the country is bleeding; don’t allow the country to bleed to death.

“If the hunger that started in 2016 continues in 2017, you will regret accepting to be President. Sit up, move around, don’t be caged, you’re a lion, you’re gallantry. But are you sure that people with you are not working against you? Nigerians are getting tired of you and your methodology. Let 2017 be a year of hope. Mr. President, there is still a little chance left. If you lose it, you will regret ever becoming a President. Forget about the sycophants and praise singers around you. If anybody tells you that Nigerians are clapping for you, that person is a liar, an enemy of this country.

South -South
Cross River state got N10.75 billion (30.46 %);
Delta State got N7.55 billion (21.38 %);
Akwa Ibom State got N1.92 billion (5.45 %);
Bayelsa State got N3.21 billion (9.08 %)
River state got N7.29 billion (20.66 %)
Edo State got N4.58 billion (12.98 %)

North Central & FCT
FCT N209 billion (76.99 %).
Nasarawa State N14.75 billion (5.43 %)
Kwara State- N5.19%)
Niger State N12.59 billion (4.63 %)
Plateau State got N6.63 billion (2.44 %)
Benue got N7.46 billion (2.75 %)
Kogi State got N7.25 billion (2.67 %)

North East
Gombe State got N9.70 billion (21 %)
Taraba state got N9.23 %)
Bauchi State got N9.23 billion (20 %)
Yobe State got N6.99 billion (15 %)
Adamawa state got N5.98 billion (13 %)
Borno State got N5.98 billion (12 %)

South West
Lagos State N16.14 billion (32.95 %)
Oyo State N12.28 billion (25.08 %)
Ogun State N7.95 billion (16.23 %)
Osun State N6.52 billion (13.30 %)
Ondo state N3.77 billion (7.70 %)
Ekiti State N2.32 billion (4.7 pecent)


North West
Kano State N32.14 billion (43.61 %) for 166 projects;
Kaduna State N19.82 billion (26.99 %)
Katsina State got N9.52 billion (12.92 %).
Jigawa State N3.56 billion (4.84 %)
Kebbi State N3.15 billion (4.28 %)
Zamfara State N2.53 billion for execution of 61 projects
Sokoto State N2.97 billion (4.04 %)

South East
Enugu State N10.15 billion (35.98 %)
Abia State N6.93 billion (24.55 %)
Ebonyi state N4.63 billion (16.41 %)
Imo State got N3.49 billion (12.36 %)
Anambra State N3.02 billion (10.20 %)

GoggleB:
Establish what?
After many lives has been lost.

All I know is Buhari hate Christians.
Quote me unnecessarily and thunder fire ur hand Dis new year.

Khohen


There is another one "Rapid Respond Squad formation" to be built in Southern Kaduna (Gonni Gora) just immediately b4 Kaduna city and additional six (6) nationwide, in Rivers(Aba-PH Rd),Aguleri (Anambra State), Lagos-Ibadan Highway, Bogoro(Bauchi state), Funtua (Kastina State), Riyom(Plataeu State).

All these contracts were recently awarded and work to begin this January. It a massive project so watch out if your area is mentioned

The Nigeria Police on Saturday said it would establish a mobile police base in Kafanchan to address security problems in Southern part of Kaduna State.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, announced this to news men during a fact finding visit to the trouble area.

“ From the discussion I had with Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-rufai, we have decided to station a mobile police base in Kafanchan.

“We are here to see things for ourselves so that we have a lasting peace in the whole area.’’

The IGP said a panel had been set up to investigate the crisis in the area thoroughly, including the allegation that 800 people were killed in the crisis.

Idris said some of the reports on Southern Kaduna were exaggerated.

He said most of the leadership of the villages had a lot to contribute to peace and unity of the area.

“Some of the community leaders need to be cautioned. They are contributing to creating situation that does not exist.’’

He said the police were committed to restore lasting peace and later met with community leaders in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Operation Harmony aimed at restoring lasting peace in southern Kaduna was inaugurated on Dec. 24.

GAZZUZZ:
Prayers averted all the evils

My dear Compatriots,

I am happy to welcome you to the beginning of a New Year in our beloved country Nigeria.

I felicitate with you today at a time when our nation is witnessing a new and impressive turnaround in our security and socio-economic situation.

I know you will join me to, once again, congratulate the heroic and gallant efforts of our military and other security agencies on their remarkable successes to rid the nation of terrorism.

Following the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, we have entered a new phase in our battle against our common enemy, Boko Haram.

When we see our beloved 21 Chibok girls reuniting with their families and community for Christmas, it gives us the hope that those who are still in captivity will one day return to the loving arms of family, friends and well-wishers.

I urge all Nigerians to be on the alert and watch out for strange figures settling in their communities, and report to the nearest security agencies, as our armed forces intensify the pursuit of fleeing terrorists from the captured Sambisa Forest.

Misguided elements who decided to take up arms against constituted authorities must be brought to face the full weight of the law.


The support of all Nigerians to security agencies to enable them successfully execute their mandate is crucial in our bid to effectively secure our country.

Seeing the joyful return of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Damasak town in Borno State, following the reopening of Maiduguri/Gubio/Damasak road in Northern Borno on December 25, 2016, reassured us that the voluntary return of IDPs in other parts of the country is imminent.

The Federal Government will spare no effort in seeing to the resettlement and rehabilitation of the unfortunate victims of terrorism and insurgency. I urge state governments, privileged Nigerians, donor agencies and countries to redouble their contributions towards this goal.

Government is aware of some mistakes and wrongdoings in handling the affairs of IDPs. We are taking measures to correct those mistakes and punish the culprits.

In this New Year, I want to reassure all Nigerians that our defence and security forces are more than ever before ready to perform their constitutional role of protecting lives and property in the country; and we will surely overcome all other forms of security challenges.

The lingering security issues in several states will be frontally addressed. These ugly crises cannot be allowed to fester as they strain the unifying bonds of brotherhood and neighbourliness. Some sections of the press and some politicians should avoid provocative and inflammatory statements, while the government is painstakingly trying to find solutions to our challenges.

I want to remind you on the first day of this New Year of an African proverb that says “it is easy to break a broomstick but not a bunch”. Nigeria is a bunch and is more than equal to troublemakers.

I have interacted with a broad spectrum of Nigerians, the old and the young, and they have told me unequivocally that they believe in the unity and stability of Nigeria.

The year 2017 provides an opportunity for us to build on those aspects of our national life that unite us. We are courageous, hardworking, hospitable, steadfast and resilient people, even in the face of difficulties.

These are the attributes that define us and have for years confounded the pessimists who do not believe in our continued existence as a united and indivisible nation. We are a remarkable nation that has succeeded in harnessing our multiple diversities for national development. We must continue to support and tolerate one another and live together as one.

We will continue to pursue peace initiatives in the Niger Delta as I again, call on our brothers in that region who have taken to violent disruptions of economic infrastructure to come to the negotiating table.

As for our brothers and sisters of the Shia Community, we urge them, too, to embrace peace. They must accept the laws of the country they live in. They cannot be islands by themselves. At the same time, the law enforcement agencies must treat them humanely and according to the rule of law.

On our part, in the past 20 months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, we have focused our energies to turn around the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and transform agriculture to replace oil and gas as a major revenue earner for the nation. I am encouraged that we are getting things right.

The agricultural revolution has begun. Farmers in different parts of the country are experiencing bumper harvests; states are getting into strategic partnership towards attaining self-sufficiency in rice, and the era of over-dependence on oil for foreign exchange revenues is gradually waning. I am optimistic that the CHANGE we all yearned for in voting this administration to power in 2015 will manifest more and be sustained in different sectors, particularly agriculture, in 2017.


As you may be aware, our economic recovery and growth plan in 2017 is anchored on optimizing the use of local content and empowering local businesses.

In pursuit of this administration’s philosophy, we will continue to appeal that we buy “Made In Nigeria” goods. Like I said during the 2017 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, farmers, small and medium-sized manufacturers, agro-allied businesses, dressmakers, entertainers and technology start-ups, will remain the true drivers of our economic future. They are the engine of our economic recovery and their needs underpin our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

On job creation, this administration will sustain existing programmes aimed at lifting a vast number of our youth out of poverty, while at the same time creating the opportunities for people to fend for themselves.

Our determination to wrestle corruption to the ground remains unshaken. This fight, which will be guided by respect for the rule of law and due process, will not spare anybody or organ of government. It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions. The fate of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign. It will be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial campaign promise capsize mid-stream.

I thank you for the public support for our administration’s efforts to transform Nigeria. I assure you again that the current pains are temporary and will ease when the economic seeds in gestation begin to bloom to fruition. I urge you to continue to support this administration in its effort to transform Nigeria for the good of all.

I wish you a Happy New Year, 2017.

MUHAMMADU BUHARI

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.