The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has revealed that the Federal Government will save over N640 billion by terminating Julius Berger’s contract for the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project.

Speaking before the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee, Umahi explained that the contract was recently revoked due to the contractor’s failure to adhere to the terms of the agreement.

He added that the project would be re-awarded for a concrete road, which he claimed would cost significantly less than the N1.5 trillion Julius Berger had requested due to variations.

Umahi further assured that the new road would be of superior quality and completed within a shorter time frame.

He expressed his dissatisfaction with the handling of the project over the past seven years and emphasized the savings of N640 billion by terminating the contract.

“Had we accepted the N1.5 trillion demand from Julius Berger, we would have been in a far worse situation. Now, we’re saving over N640 billion and improving the road’s structure,” he stated.

The Minister also noted that the project’s conditions required completion within 14 months, with no variations unless the exchange rate exceeded N2000 per dollar.

However, Julius Berger reportedly refused to meet these conditions, leading to the termination of the contract.

He defended his decision, stating that it was within his right to choose the type of pavement for the road and expressed confidence that concrete was the more cost-effective option.

Umahi highlighted the poor condition of the road, which had led to incidents of kidnapping, and said that despite requests to Julius Berger to fix potholes, the company had failed to act.

Addressing concerns about the possibility of awarding the contract to Julius Berger again, Umahi clarified that the project would be open to all bidders, including the contractor, if they chose to participate.

The Committee Chairman, Rep. Aminu Sani Jaji, pointed out discrepancies in the figures presented by the Ministry and the contractor.

He directed the Ministry to provide all relevant documents related to the project for further review.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that his party is determined to take control of the Rivers State Government House in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the inauguration of Chief Tony Okocha and 22 other new executive members of the APC in Rivers, Ganduje emphasized the party’s resolve to secure victory in the upcoming gubernatorial race.

His remarks came as he visited Port Harcourt, accompanied by 16 members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party.

Ganduje urged APC members in the state to work tirelessly to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 elections.

He noted that although the South-South region has been historically dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC has been making significant inroads.

He pointed to the party’s success in securing control of Cross River and Edo states during the Buhari and Tinubu administrations, respectively, and stated that Rivers is the next target for the APC’s expansion.

“We have already taken two states from the PDP in the South-South: Cross River during the Buhari administration and Edo in the current Tinubu-led government. Now, Rivers is our target, and we are here to ensure that we take Rivers in 2027,” Ganduje stated.

He also congratulated the newly elected members of the APC’s state executive, noting that the inauguration ceremony was held in Rivers to emphasize the party’s commitment to grassroots engagement.

He explained that the move was part of efforts to bridge the gap between the national and state levels of the party, ensuring that both work in harmony for the benefit of the state and the party.

“We are here to embrace Rivers. The state is our constituency, and we need to be in constant contact with the people. We must synergize with the state and build a strong connection with the grassroots,” Ganduje said.

Addressing the newly inaugurated members, Ganduje outlined their responsibilities, including promoting internal democracy, recruiting new members, and ensuring the growth of the party in their constituencies.

He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and resolving conflicts within the party to strengthen its position in the state.

“As leaders of the party, your task is clear. You must use your political skills to move the party forward and ensure that it thrives in your areas. I am confident that you are all up to the challenge,” Ganduje added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected as false a social media report claiming that its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had passed away in a hospital in London.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, issued a statement on Saturday clarifying that Yakubu is alive and in good health. He urged the public to ignore the baseless rumor.

Oyekanmi further emphasized that Yakubu had not traveled to London in the past two years, contradicting the claims in the fabricated report.

He highlighted Yakubu’s recent public appearances, including his participation in an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11, 2024, and his role in chairing the INEC’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners the following day, December 12, 2024.

These events were widely covered by the media.

This is not the first time such rumors have circulated.

A similar fake story about Yakubu’s death was spread in 2021, and now, three years later, the same false narrative is being revived.

Oyekanmi warned those involved in spreading such misinformation to consider the negative impact it could have on individuals and society at large.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to collaborating with responsible media outlets to tackle the spread of fake news, which poses a serious threat to society.

The Human Rights Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has lauded the Court of Appeal’s recent decision to nullify the Federal High Court’s order to seize Rivers State’s statutory allocation, calling it a vital win for Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.

In a statement released after the ruling, HURIWA emphasized the Appeal Court’s upholding of federalism and its resistance to political interference in the judiciary.

The association highlighted the importance of judicial independence in protecting democracy, noting that the decision marks a significant step toward safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s legal system.

Delivered on December 13, 2024, by Justice Barka, the ruling stated that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case, which sought the seizure of Rivers State’s revenue.

Justice Barka further stated that the inclusion of federal agencies in the case did not automatically grant the Federal High Court jurisdiction.

The case, he asserted, pertained to the appropriation of state resources, which falls within the jurisdiction of state high courts.

HURIWA, along with other legal experts and advocacy groups, praised the judgment, considering it a victory for the Nigerian people and a reinforcement of the independence of the judiciary.

National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that the Appeal Court’s decision was a clear message against the misuse of the court system for political vendettas.

“This ruling is a major triumph for Rivers State and, by extension, for Nigerian democracy. The Appeal Court has reinforced the idea that the judiciary must serve as the last line of defense for the people, free from political pressures or malice,” Onwubiko said.

HURIWA also condemned the actions of the pro-Wike group, accusing them of attempting to destabilize Rivers State with baseless legal challenges.

The association pointed out that the Federal High Court’s order, if left intact, would have led to significant hardship for the people of Rivers State, potentially creating a political and economic crisis.

“This was a calculated attempt to damage Rivers State’s finances and governance. Such actions could have set a dangerous precedent, undermining Nigeria’s federal structure and democratic principles,” Onwubiko added.

The association further applauded the efforts of the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition and civil society groups who stood firm in defense of democracy and the rule of law.

HURIWA noted that the Appeal Court’s ruling had averted what could have been a constitutional crisis that might have escalated into chaos.

Justice Barka’s ruling clarified key legal principles concerning the jurisdiction of courts in matters of state governance.

He reiterated that the Federal High Court was wrong to entertain a matter that fell squarely under the jurisdiction of state high courts, reaffirming that issues related to the appropriation of state resources should be handled by state institutions.

HURIWA also highlighted the ruling as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, emphasizing the importance of respecting the separation of powers and the autonomy of states.

The judgment serves as an endorsement of Nigeria’s legal system and its ability to interpret and enforce constitutional principles.

In addition, HURIWA called for greater transparency and accountability in the judiciary, urging judges to remain immune from political manipulation.

The association stressed that the judiciary’s primary role is to uphold justice and protect the rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of political allegiances.

“We commend the Appeal Court for delivering a ruling that restores public confidence in the judiciary. We also urge judges at all levels to continue resisting any attempt to compromise their integrity. The judiciary must remain a beacon of justice and a defender of democratic values,” Onwubiko stated.

As celebrations spread across Rivers State following the ruling, HURIWA joined in commending the decision, urging all stakeholders to respect the court’s judgment and work toward fostering peace and development in the state.

HURIWA also issued a strong rebuke of the pro-Wike group, accusing them of attempting to undermine democracy through malicious legal tactics.

The association urged the group to stop using the judiciary for political agendas and prioritize the welfare of the people above personal interests.

“It is shameful that certain individuals would use the judiciary as a battleground for personal grievances. We call on the pro-Wike group to reconsider their actions and focus on what truly matters: the well-being of the people of Rivers State,” HURIWA stated.

The association concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defending democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, calling on all Nigerians to continue supporting the judiciary in its role as the protector of justice and fairness.

“This judgment is a wake-up call for all Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending our democracy. We must hold our leaders and institutions accountable to ensure that justice always prevails,” Onwubiko concluded.

Reacting to the PDP’s invitation for Jonathan to run, the APC dismissed the idea, asserting that the former president would face another defeat if he returned to the race.

In 2015, Jonathan lost to APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari, marking the first time in Nigerian history that an incumbent president lost re-election.

Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Director of Publicity, stated that defeating Jonathan in 2027 would be easy, regardless of his political platform.

Ibrahim added that the APC was not concerned about the potential candidacy of Jonathan, dismissing it as an empty threat.

He pointed out that the APC’s victory over Jonathan in 2015 occurred while he was still in power, and predicted that they would defeat him again now that Bola Tinubu is the president and leader of the APC.

According to Ibrahim, it is the party structure, not the cult of personality surrounding former leaders, that will ensure the APC’s continued dominance in the 2027 election.

Ibrahim also noted that it was too early to be discussing the 2027 election, as less than 40 percent of President Tinubu’s mandate has been completed.

He emphasized that the APC was focused on the present, not the distant future, and that any political permutations around Jonathan’s return were premature.

He concluded that even if multiple versions of Jonathan emerged, they would still not pose a threat to the APC’s position in 2027.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider running for the presidency in the 2027 elections under its platform.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, expressed regret over the possibility of Jonathan choosing a different party for his presidential run.

He emphasized that Jonathan’s return would be pivotal for the party, given his historical ties to its leadership.

Abdullahi highlighted the PDP’s crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, citing prominent figures who have emerged from the party.

He also noted the party’s ongoing connection to Jonathan’s political rise, urging him to “complete the term he began” within the PDP.

Abdullahi further criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for its perceived hypocrisy, particularly regarding Jonathan’s legacy, and warned the former president to be cautious of sudden support from those who once criticized him.

This call comes after the sighting of Jonathan’s presidential campaign posters across major streets in Kano, leading to speculations about his possible return to politics.

The posters, promoting a movement called ‘Team New Nigeria,’ echo a similar scenario from the 2023 elections, when Jonathan’s supporters purchased nomination forms under the APC, a move he distanced himself from.

Some northern political figures are reportedly attempting to draft Jonathan into the 2027 race, arguing that he is eligible for another term after serving as president from 2011 to 2015.

Meanwhile, the PDP is facing internal turbulence, with party leadership struggling to reconcile differing factions.

Sources within the party predict that its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for February 2025, will be crucial in determining the party’s direction.

The meeting is expected to address leadership issues and the ongoing criticisms of acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

A source close to the party emphasized that the NEC meeting’s agenda will have lasting implications for the PDP, with delays in convening the meeting potentially harming the party’s future.

Some party members, however, have argued that Damagum, a shrewd politician, will do everything in his power to delay the meeting, as it may lead to his removal.