Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has laid the foundation for a N15 billion three-layer interchange bridge at Kofar Dan’agundi in the Kano metropolis as part of his vision to enhance traffic flow in the ancient city.

The governor, who visited the project site on Sunday in the company of some cabinet members, affirmed his administration’s determination to transform Kano into a megacity.

DAILY POST recalls that Governor Yusuf, in December 2023, awarded the multi-billion-naira project to CCG Nigeria Limited with a completion period of 18 months. Multiple projects were awarded alongside another high-impact interchange bridge at Tal’udu roundabout, also in the city centre, to ease traffic congestion

“We have created alternative routes and motorists are expected to comply with safety rules and allow the project operation to run smoothly,” he affirmed.

Gov. Abba Kabir also laid the foundation of a similar project at Tal’udu roundabout worth N12 billion, which was awarded at the same time as the three-layer overpass, underpass and surface layer roads.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, affirmed that infrastructure development is a critical area of the present administration and, therefore, the reason for the allocation of more resources to the sector by Governor Yusuf.

In their remarks after the foundation-laying ceremony, the Project Manager of CGC Nigeria Limited, Mr Gee Wang, and the Commissioner for Works and Housing, Marwan Ahmad, both assured that the project would be completed within the time frame.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has promised a review of the law punishing suicide attempts.

He gave the promise when he received a delegation from the Asido Foundation, a non-governmental organisation promoting mental health advocacy and reforms to improve awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination and empower persons with mental disorders and their families.

The AGF said health is one of the priority areas of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The law is something we have to take a second look at, especially where it is established that the offenders are not in the right state of mind. What the offenders need is pity, treatment and love to rid society of this kind of situation. But whatever we do is not binding on the states. So, I will take the case to the Body of Attorneys General,” Fagbemi said.

He promised to take up the issues around the Mental Health Act with his colleagues in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Earlier, the founder of Asido, Dr Jibril Abdulmalik, sought the help of the AGF in reviewing the law sentencing people for attempted suicide and the implementation of the Mental Health Act signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023.

Abdulmalik said medical evidence had shown that all over the world, 80-90 per cent of those who attempted suicide had a background of mental illness, especially depression.

“It is their sense of hopelessness that makes them get to the edge, where they think they are better off dying. In that situation, what they need is help and treatment, not punishment and incarceration. We know the workload is heavy for our judicial officers. We don’t want them overburdened with cases that should ordinarily go to hospitals,” he added.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has declared that there is no crisis in the state.

Rather, Fubara said his administration is focused on delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State.

He spoke while receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Fubara assured that the political pressure would strengthen his administration’s commitment to service.

According to Fubara: “As far as we are concerned, there are no political issues. I had seen a movie many years ago, entitled, ‘Devil’s Advocate’. I believe some of you must have seen that movie too.

“One of the starring characters, Al Pacino, said that pressure makes some people retreat or fail, and to others, it makes them become focused on succeeding. We have chosen to be focused under this pressure.

“That is why we are moving ahead. That is why we are making a positive impact on the lives of our people. Governance is about the people. It is not about self.

“Governance is about touching the core needs of those people we are leading, and by the special grace of God, we are doing it.”

Shortly after Fubara assumed office as governor, he fell out with his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Many believed that their face-off is linked to the political and financial control of the state.

The rift between the duo had forced President Bola Tinubu to intervene, making them to sign a peace-pact.

However, despite the peace pact, the crisis has continued.

CREDIT: DAILY POST