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Engr. David Umahi, Minister of Works, has fired back at Remi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), following accusations of misprioritization.

During an interactive session on Thursday, Oseni criticized Umahi for focusing on funding issues rather than addressing the urgent needs of Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

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He stated, “You are not here to tell us what we already know about resources. If you claim your failure to fix our road infrastructure is due to a lack of funds, I urge you not to go down that path. Your efforts as a minister seem focused on less priority issues.”

Oseni emphasized the dire state of the nation’s roads and challenged Umahi, saying, “With the resources at your disposal, we should not be in this situation. Last year, you received a N300 billion supplementary budget. It seems you are more concerned with awarding contracts than actually fixing roads.”

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Responding to Oseni’s remarks, Umahi addressed reporters on Monday, asserting that Oseni had not achieved as much in his life.

He stated, “I have tremendous respect for the Speaker and the National Assembly, and I will refrain from engaging with him out of respect for these institutions.”

Umahi continued, “No one has ever said I have failed, and I have never failed in anything I have undertaken. If he believes otherwise, he should reflect on my track record. I hope he can achieve even half of what I have in life.”

He further clarified, “He seems to be representing the contractors in his criticism, particularly regarding the issue of Price Variation, which has severely impacted our budget resources.”

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command announced on Monday that lawmaker Alex Mascot Ikwechegh has been arrested following an incident involving a cab driver in Abuja.

Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Abuja Command, confirmed that Ikwechegh is currently in custody at the Maitama Police Station. She stated, “Ikwechegh is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.”

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The arrest stems from a report filed by the cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who alleged that a dispute arose while delivering a package to Hon. Ikwechegh.

According to preliminary investigations, “Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwechegh when a dispute arose over the delivery method. During this confrontation, Mr. Abuwatseya was allegedly physically assaulted.”

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The police spokesperson expressed concern over Ikwechegh’s alleged dismissive comments regarding law enforcement: “After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly contemptuously said, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,’ demonstrating a troubling disregard for law enforcement authority.”

The statement also mentioned that Olatunji Disu, the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.Advertorial

“The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Once the investigation is complete, appropriate legal action will be taken.”

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A new coalition named Save Democracy Mega Alliance 2027 (SDMA’27) has kicked off a campaign to amend Nigeria’s Constitution with the aim of curbing presidential influence over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and state governors’ control over State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

The coalition seeks to transfer the appointment powers of INEC and SIEC heads to an independent body, thereby reducing executive interference in the electoral and judicial processes.

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At a press conference in Abuja, spokesperson Comrade Tony Akeni Le Moin detailed the coalition’s plans for a nationwide launch, culminating in a major event in Abuja dubbed a “boot camp.”

He emphasized the coalition’s commitment to two key amendments: removing the appointment powers from the president and governors and assigning these responsibilities to a non-partisan group of vetted individuals of integrity.

The initiative has gained support from various prominent leaders and pro-democracy organizations across Nigeria.

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Among its supporters is Professor Pat Utomi, a noted political economist, who hailed the movement as a crucial advancement for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999.

He referenced the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform report, which also advocated for reforms to diminish executive influence over INEC and the judiciary, arguing that such changes are vital for ensuring free and fair elections.

SDMA’27 outlined a three-point strategy that includes building national consensus among political, religious, and civil society groups to foster a collective push for constitutional reform.

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The coalition aims to gain traction for a National Conference to formally propose these amendments and to lobby the National and State Assemblies to eliminate executive control over INEC and the judiciary.

The group urged citizens to take action, warning that without these reforms, the upcoming 2027 elections could mirror previous electoral frauds.

They invoked the words of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to call for organized resistance, framing the current situation as a “national emergency” that necessitates action to restore democracy in Nigeria.

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Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not purchase a new official jet but instead acquired a refurbished one.

He emphasized that the aircraft belongs to the Nigerian people, stating, “It is our property.”

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Onanuga explained that many jets in the presidential fleet, including a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 acquired during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, are in poor condition, leading to high maintenance costs.

Rather than incurring excessive expenses for upkeep, the President sought National Assembly approval for a refurbished Airbus A330, which is still in good working order.

Onanuga highlighted that this refurbished jet would reduce Nigeria’s maintenance costs compared to the aging aircraft currently in use.

He urged citizens to prioritize the President’s safety, noting that the new plane is intended for state use, not for Tinubu personally.

He assured that the jet would remain in Nigeria’s possession for the benefit of future leaders.

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“The president did not buy a new jet; he has acquired a refurbished jet that has been previously used but is a newer model than the one used by President Buhari,” Onanuga stated.

He recalled an incident during President Buhari’s administration when a malfunction forced the President to use a chartered jet during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

Onanuga also mentioned discussions with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu about the faulty aircraft, emphasizing that its age led to exorbitant maintenance costs.

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He urged the public to focus on ensuring the President’s safety, asserting that no one wishes harm upon him.

Despite the administration’s defense of the refurbished Airbus A330 acquisition, it has faced criticism from various Nigerians and political opponents.

Many argue that the decision appears insensitive given the ongoing challenges faced by numerous citizens, including soaring food prices and energy costs.

Concerns over the state of the Presidential Air Fleet have been mounting; in May, a faulty jet prevented Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit.

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Additionally, a Falcon 900B aircraft was put up for sale by the Nigerian Air Force last December, inviting bids for its purchase.