News
Umahi commends Gov Otti for impressive performance in Abia
Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has commended Governor Alex Otti for providing quality leadership to the people of Abia State.
Senator umahi also hailed Otti or reconstructing federal roads in the State and delivering quality road projects.
The Minister gave the commendation when he visited Governor Otti in his office after his working visit and inspection of some ongoing federal roads in Abia State which Mr. President would be commissioning later in the year.
“I didn’t want to tell you (Gov. Otti), you didn’t know I was coming, but I’m here principally to secretly look at some of our projects in Abia State that we want to commission by December and also look at some of the great projects you are doing that the President will commission when he visits Abia State, so that I’ll be able to report properly to him (Mr. President).
“And I’ve gone around on my own, I didn’t ask anybody to join me, and I want to say that, I’m very, very proud of what you are doing for Abia people. I’m really proud.
“Not only the quantum of projects you have completed, but the quality also, especially, the Port-Harcourt Road. It’s mind-blowing that, that place could be recovered. And, I think it’s only a heart of yours that can recover that place the way it is.
“I commend you very highly, and it’s only Mr. President, the man of infrastructure, that will be qualified to commission that project.. I want to also thank you for some of the interventions on our Federal Roads, “Umahi stated.
He also appreciated Governor Otti for the encouragement given to the construction of two sections of Port Harcourt to Enugu Expressway, adding, that, before Governor Otti came on board, it was difficult for the contractor to freely work.
While appealing to Governors to partner the federal government in carrying out various projects in their States, not minding party differences, Engr. Umahi pleaded with Governor Otti, “to look at the plight of our people on the other carriageway. See what you can do to help us. Even if you want to use the same contractor, use them,”
Engr. Dave Umahi appreciated the good long standing relationship between President Tinubu and Governor Otti and noted that the President is doing many projects in the South East.
“We have every reason as Ndigbo and people of the Southeast, irrespective of party affiliation, to stand with this man (President Tinubu) who is standing with the Southeast.
“To rewrite our history and relaunch us into the mainstream of the federal government. So, I will not preach to you about support for the President because you have been the President’s very good friend, even before I came to know the President.
“And I’m happy that you have so much love for the President. And Your Excellency, without speaking for you, I will beat my chest to say that all the Governors of Southeast are standing with the President,” Umahi stated.
Responding, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government in delivering key infrastructural projects that would impact positively on the lives of the people.
He appreciated the Federal Government’s support to Abia and assured that the State would continue to partner with the Federal Government as one administration.
“I want to reassure you that we’ll work with the Federal Government and ensure that we work together and collaboratively for the benefit of our people.
“When those roads are done, the credit goes to the government, whether it is the one at the centre or the one at the State, it is the same Government. And then, the beneficiaries are the people”, Gov Otti stated.
Governor Otti recounted his encounter with President Bola Tinubu when he sought the President’s approval for him to fix some federal roads in Abia that were in bad condition including the Port Harcourt Road, Aba, Ohafia-Arochukwu Road and the Onuimo-Umuahia road among others.
Governor Otti used the opportunity to explain why the commissioning of the completed Port Harcourt Road was rescheduled, assuring that a new date would soon be secured, and said that he would oblige the Minister’s request of looking into the other carriageway of the Enugu – Port Harcourt express way which is yet to be fixed.
“The Enugu – Port Harcourt carriageway that you spoke about, I would ask the Commissioner for Works to go and have a look at it.
“I am happy that you have gone round. We were ready to commission the Port Harcourt road and a few other projects by the 23rd of last month. But somehow, the President had to go to the Vatican for the inauguration of the new Pope. And we had to put it off.
“And, we have a few more roads that will be ready for him to commission in addition to Port Harcourt Road. I’m also in touch with the President’s office to get his availability so that he can come and commission the road and also speak to our people,” Otti said.
The Supreme Court has nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
The convention had produced a factional national executive of the party led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
The apex court’s decision has now affirmed earlier judgments which held that the exercise was conducted in violation of subsisting court orders.
The Ibadan convention had been the subject of prolonged legal disputes before the Supreme Court’s verdict.
A Federal High Court had earlier restrained the PDP from going ahead with the convention, citing alleged breaches of the party’s constitution and failure to comply with due process.
The court also noted unresolved disputes from state congresses and the alleged exclusion of some aspirants from the process.
Despite the order, the convention went ahead, leading to further litigation. The Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the decision of the lower court.
It affirmed that the convention was held in violation of valid judicial pronouncements and that its outcome could not stand.
Dissatisfied with the concurrent judgments, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the decisions and validate the convention as well as the executives it produced.
The Supreme Court’s decision to void the convention has effectively settled the legal dispute over the legitimacy of the factional leadership that emerged from the exercise.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
-
News1 year agoSenate to speed up conclusion of Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill
-
News9 months agoThe Many Lies Against Bashir Haske
-
News3 years agoBreaking: Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees
-
News3 years ago“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader
-
News3 years ago“I’m leaving the Catholic church because Bishop Onah is oppressing me,” says Okunerere
-
News3 years agoRadio Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster Kelvin Ugwu dies three months after retirement from service
-
News3 years agoDokpesi and the Gazebo Mystique
-
News3 years agoTsunami: Tinubu orders dissolution of managements, boards of MDAs, to sack all Buhari’s political appointees