Connect with us

News

‘We are almost 97% – Wike reveals when Abuja rail line will be inaugurated

Avatar

Published

on

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has assured that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Scheme also known as the metro line will be inaugurated in May this year.

The FCT Minister gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday during an inspection tour of the ongoing renovation and rehabilitation works on the Abuja metro line.

Wike said the rehabilitation exercise was about 97 per cent complete and assured that it will be among the projects to be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu in May this year, to mark his one year in office.

The minister who rode on the train from the Abuja Metro Station in the Central Business District to the Airport Train Station, where he observed the progress of work at the various stations along the route, expressed satisfaction with the renovation and rehabilitation exercise.

He said the Abuja metro line was very important for the the FCT’s economy, adding, “We are almost 97 per cent. All the works are going on to make sure that May is a reality.”

Advertisement

Continuing, Wike said, “I want to say that as of yesterday, Mr. President has approved the schedule for the commissioning of projects for his one year in office. This is a very important project. Those of us who rode on the metro line, you will see that it’s more convenient to use the metro line than even the vehicles to go to the airport.

“So, I’m really impressed with the contractor, CCECC. They have assured us that all the renovation works will be ready before the commissioning date.

“I believe this will be the first project that Mr. President will like to inaugurate because it’s very key to the development of the economy, particularly as the FCT is concerned”.

“So, for me, it’s a dream come true and we are happy that after all is said and done, the metro line will be in use for Nigerians come May 2024”.

Speaking on the operational cost for the metro line, especially the training of personnel, the minister disclosed that the FCTA has paid its contractual obligations to the contractors.

He said though the cost was quite expensive, it was also important to ensure that there is a balance between saving cost and safeguarding the interest of the FCT.

Advertisement

On whether there were plans to provide rail services in densely populated parts of the FCT such as Nyanya, the minister said the Abuja mass rail project is being done in phases, due to the financial implications. He however assured that the issue would be considered as development efforts continue in the FCT.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

News

Why I may not hesitate to support Peter Obi in 2027 – Atiku Abubakar

Avatar

Published

on

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has suggested he might support Peter Obi, his Labour Party counterpart from the last election, in 2027.

The former Vice President, currently in merger talks with stakeholders from various opposition political parties, indicated he would back Obi if the Labour Party nominates him for the next election.

According to The Sun, Atiku made this statement during an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

It was recently reported by DAILY POST that Obi and Atiku had a closed-door meeting, sparking rumors about a potential merger of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku confirmed the efforts of opposition parties to align in order to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election, saying, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”

Advertisement

Atiku added that if the new party decides it’s the turn of the South-East and chooses Peter Obi, he would not hesitate to support him.

“I have said repeatedly, and even before the 2023 general elections, that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.

“But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was open to all members of the party,” Atiku explained.

Continue Reading

News

I once struggled with pornography – Bishop Oyedepo’s son, Isaac

Avatar

Published

on

Isaac Oyedepo, son of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, has admitted to having struggled with pornography at one point in his life.

Isaac revealed that he became involved with pornography during a trip to a European country.

Speaking on the podcast “Confession Box,” Isaac shared that he overcame this challenge with God’s help.

He explained: “My confessions are positive and meant to help others. I struggled with pornography before.

“I remember how it began; we traveled to a country, and I was alone in my room. I turned on the TV, and that’s how it started.

Advertisement

“But God helped me overcome it quickly. Many people still struggle with it, and I think if someone who had previously struggled with it had approached me and showed me how to break free, I would have overcome it sooner.

“Some topics are often avoided, but today, many pastors and church members still struggle with this issue.

“You might be anointed and performing signs and wonders, but that doesn’t mean you are living right.

“There’s an old saying that if it works, it means you’re standing right, but I found out that’s not always true. There were times I realized I wasn’t right, but grace and mercy found me.

“For the sake of someone genuine in the congregation, God can bypass you to reach that person; this is my confession.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Alleged Corruption: Rights lawyer petitions Minister, seeks suspension of NSCDC CG, Audi

Avatar

Published

on

Former Special Prosecutor for the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties, Tosin Ojaomo, has petitioned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, regarding an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into corruption allegations against Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ojaomo recommended Audi’s immediate suspension to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of the investigation from possible interference.

The petition, dated May 15 and made available to DAILY POST, was addressed to Tunji-Ojo and copied to President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.

Ojaomo highlighted that the EFCC has been investigating the NSCDC for alleged financial mismanagement, making significant progress. He also mentioned a pending allegation against Audi regarding unexplained property acquisition filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CBB).

Ojaomo’s request is based on Section 8 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (as amended), and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004, which allow the minister to recommend the appointment and removal of the NSCDC Commandant General.

Advertisement

The petition stated, “We are compelled to make this request as the investigation of the agency cannot be thoroughly and discreetly conducted if the current Commandant General of the NSCDC is allowed to continue in office while the investigation continues because most of the financial activities of the agency which form the subject matter of the investigation are conducted under the current CG’s watch.”

He further emphasized that the suspension would safeguard the investigation process and prevent possible interference. Ojaomo cited allegations linking Audi to a company, Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited, which allegedly received contracts from Tantita Security Limited, a company under the NSCDC’s supervision.

He concluded, “In view of these facts, it will be in the interest of public safety and to protect the integrity of the office to suspend Dr. Abubakar Audi, the current Commandant General of NSCDC, so that the EFCC can conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.”

Continue Reading

Trending