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Category: General News

  • Acquittal:  My 12 years prosecution was harrowing -former Lagos Speaker

    Former Lagos assembly speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiiji
    Ikuforiji
    By Chioma Ugboma
    Lagos, June, 26, 2024 (NAN) The  former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiiji, says his acquittal from money laundering related charges and prosecution that spanned over 12 years was a harrowing experience.
    The speaker said his joy knew no bounds, describing the experience as a “rebirth of sorts”.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the  Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, cleared the former speaker of 54 charges brought against him by the EFCC.
    Justice Mohammed Liman dismissed the charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling  that the prosecution did not meet the legal burden of proof required.

    Addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos, Ikuforiji said: : “I am a very happy man. It feels so great to be free after 12 and half years of prosecution and persecution.

    “It is a long story.  Since 48 hours that I am free,  I am extremely grateful to God. When I got out of the court, I called my wife Mayowa, because  I did not tell her while going to the court that day.
    “I was even joking with my friend, when the Judge came, that if I had seen a Black Maria, I will have to run away.
    “As a strong believer, I always believed in what Almighty Allah decreed. But there are some things as a man in flesh  that you begin to  ask second questions.
    “I was at the House of Assembly for 12 years; 10 years, I was speaker and there was no time the lawmakers fought. The Lagos assembly was the best because of the harmonious relationship.
    “But if after 10 years of being speaker and leading a progressive house, making  progressive laws, even the National Assembly came to learn some things from us, we passed the FOI Act before them even the  Child Rights Law. “
    Ikuforiji, who served as Lagos speaker from 2005 to 2015, said he was wrongly prosecuted but would not sue the EFCC for that.
    “I suffered for 12 and half years  over wrongful allegations, I suffered unnecessarily for that period, what was my offence and what did I do?
    “A faceless petitioner wrote to the EFCC that the assembly arm twisted the Lagos state government to pay N500 million to it monthly and  later, I was accused of embezzling  the money, amounting to N7 billion.
    “Is that not ridiculous that the members did not do anything that I allegedly made away with N500m for 14 months?
    “I got a call from the director of EFCC while going to Umrah, I told him I will honour the invitation when I come back. I called him when I returned and he said I should come, I went there that Friday morning and I spent the weekend on the floor of  EFCC cell.
    “They showed me the petition and I faulted it, the person that wrote it,  no telephone number.
    They asked for the other members and I told them  that I don’t need to get others because I was in charge.
    According to him, I spent the weekend there and was released on bail, EFCC came to the house, combed  the books for three months and saw nothing.
    “I suffered the  agony for over 12 and half years.  Many sleepless nights.  I thank my Family, colleagues, friends and the media for standing by me.
    “The EFCC started with 200 charges and trimmed it to 54  and no one said embezzlement.
    “Today we are grateful to God that at the end of it all, we have been vindicated. The honest thing is that in the Quran, even in the dark,  there is always an element of light.
    ” I am now a Barrister at Law.  This case was what pushed me toward reading law. I was doing well as speaker, My lawyers came up with other things and I felt it was time for me to be learned.
    “That is something good, if this trouble was  not thrown at me, I won’t be a lawyer today. My family suffered a great deal. Members of the house  stood by me. Most of them followed me to court on court day, I am grateful to them.
    ” Lots of our leaders who were praying with me, I salute them. My wife is a Christian and they have been praying for years. God was really merciful to me and gave me people who supported me.
    “Today I am a free man, June 24, 2024 remains a second birthday to me because that is the day of my independence, , the day I smelt freedom.
    “In 2014, the Federal High Court said I had no case to answer and it went to the Supreme Court and the case was reassigned and here we are today,” Ikuforiji said.
    He, however,  said the charges might  have been politically or socially engineered but what mattered the most was that as a politician, stuff like that was expected.
    On whether he planned to contest for elective position in 2027, the former speaker said it is God that would determine that. (NAN)
    CHOM/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
    ========

  • Plateau Gov.’s wife raises alarm over rising cases of drug abuse

    Plateau Gov.’s wife raises alarm over rising cases of drug abuse

    Drugs

    By Zainab Oyekan

    Jos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, the wife of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has raised concerns over the rising cases of drug abuse in the state.

    Mrs Mutfwang spoke out during an event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Jos, on Wednesday.

    The governor’s wife, who said that illicit drugs had been a serious threat to development, security and public health in Plateau, noted that it had also destroyed lives, broken homes and undermined the state’s social fabric.

    She said that drug abuse was no doubt affecting millions of people worldwide; from those struggling with substance use disorders, to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organised crime.

    “The truth is that the impact of drugs are far-reaching and complex, and will require collective efforts to tackle,“ Mrs Mutfwang said.

    She said this year’s campaign had recognised that effective drug policies should be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion and a deep understanding of the social, economic and health implications of the menace.

    She said that the theme for 2024 celebration, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention “, was apt and should be embraced by everyone.

    She said the government and relevant stakeholders would implement prevention policies and programmes for the youths to take a firm stance against drug addiction through administrative and legal measures.

    Mrs Mutfwang therefore, urged everyone especially the youths, to avoid the destructive path of drug abuse and embrace a life of purpose and fulfillment.

    Also speaking during the event, Dr Moses Audu, a psychiatrist, who warned against substance abuse, advised that prevention was key to achieving a drug-free society.

    Audu advised parents and guardians to always caution and monitor their children and wards against abusing drugs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that 15 secondary schools graced the event, and four students were awarded scholarships by Rise Above Substance Abuse (RASA), an NGO, for exceptional performance.

    OIZ/DOR
    =======
    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Nasarawa killings: Lawmaker calls for calm, peaceful co-existence 

    Nasarawa killings: Lawmaker calls for calm, peaceful co-existence
    Killings
    By Awayi Kuje
    Lafia, June 26, 2024 ( NAB) Mr Mohammed Omadefu, member, Nasarawa State House of Assembly (APC- Keana), has called for calm among his people over Tuesday’s killing of some farmers in his constituency.
    Omadefu, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Lafia on Wednesday.
    He said that the call for the people of his constituency to remain calm and not to take the law into their hands has become necessary.
    “Due to the importance of peace and unity to the overall development of the area and the State at large,” Omadefu said.
    The lawmaker said the state government and other relevant authorities have taken up the matter and were on top of the situation.
    Omadefu said, ” I condemn in totality the lingering killings of innocent souls of Keana sons, who are genuine farmers to earn a living but were shot down to death in their farms yesterday
    ” This act of carnage is worrisome and stands condemned especially at this farming period.
    “And when the government is putting up all necessary measures towards sustainable peace and development in the State.”
    He commiserated with the families of those who were killed and affected by the incident.
    ” Security agencies are on top of the situation to fetch out the perpetrators and bring normalcy to my dear constituency
    ” May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” he added, wishing those receiving treatment a quick recovery.
    The lawmaker urged the people of his constituency to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliations.
    ” I want to use this medium to call on all the people of Keana and other people of the state to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their differences
    ” As peace is the requirement for the development of any society, peace is priceless and non negotiable, let embrace it all,” Omadefu urged.
    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that on Tuesday, gunmen killed some farmers numbering about three in Keana LG.  ( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/BRM
    ==================
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FG to create 6,500 jobs in Ebonyi through renewed hope housing project

    Jobs
    By Chukwuemeka Opara
    Abakaliki, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will create 6,500 jobs for different categories of persons through the construction of the 250 housing units in the Renewed Hope Estate in Ebonyi.
    The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa made the disclosure on Wednesday during the ground breaking ceremony of the estate, situated at Umuezekohu community of Ezza North Local Government Area of the state.
    Dangiwa said that the estate expected to be completed in three months, would create jobs for  architects, civil and mechanical engineers, plumbers, masons, tilers, among others.
    “This project consists of 50 units one-bedrroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of two-bedroom and 50 units of three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
    “The project will also enhance economic activities such as food sales, block supplies, provision of building materials among other trades, creating an impactful value chain,” he said.
    The minister said the ceremony began with the second leg of a nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
    “The programme was, launched in February 2024 with the inauguration of a 3,112-housing units in Karsana, Abuja.
    “The programme’s first phase will deliver 50,000 housing units across Nigeria which includes seven renewed hope cities with 500 to 1,000 housing units per site in each geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
    “The renewed hope estates will have 250 units per site in the remaining 30 states as it aims to unlock Nigeria’s massive housing development potentials,” he said.
    He noted that the ministry had embarked on the first leg of the exercise with the groundbreaking of 1,500 housing units in the northern part of the country.
    “This includes 250-housing unit renewed hope estates, one in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and Sokoto, and a 500-housing unit renewed hope city in Kano.
    ‘This second leg will see the construction of 2,000 renewed hope housing units in states of the south and north central zones and this includes 250 housing units each commencing from Ebonyi.
    “This will be followed by Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Osun, Oyo, Benue, and Nasarawa states,” he said.
    He noted that the housing units had been designed to be easily acquired and affordable for people by using organic designs for future expansion as beneficiaries”s income increased.
    “We have created different acquisition options which include single-digit mortgage loans repayable over 30 years, rent-to-own schemes from the Federal Mortgage Bank and outright purchase options,” he said.
    Gov. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila described the occasion as “historic” and commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing the programme.
    “This underscores the president avowed commitment to provide affordable housing to Nigerians especially the middle and low-income earners.
    “The project is also significant in realising the state government ‘s objective of providing affordable housing for its citizens,” he said.
    The governor assured of adequate security for the project to ensure its timely completion and appealed that at least 60 per cent of its indigenes benefited during its allocation.
    The Chief Executive Officer of Proportion Construction Company, who spoke on behalf of other developers, promised that the project would be completed within the stipulated period and also, of required standard. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    RCO/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Consumption of methamphetamine, our biggest challenge in Enugu – NDLEA

     

    Drug

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the agency’s biggest challenge on its fight against Illicit drugs in Enugu was the growing intake of methamphetamine -Mkpuru-mmiri

    The Enugu State Commander, Mr Abel Wadahi, disclosed this at the commemoration of the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.

    The event which held at the Enugu State High Court Auditorium on Wednesday was organised by the NDLEA in partnership with David Folarinmi Foundation.

    Addressing newsmen, the commander said the rate at which youth and underage children between 10 years and 13 years consumed the substance popularly known as “Mkpuru-mmiri” was worrisome.

    He said the agency would intensify its campaign against it in the rural communities as they were currently sensitising students in schools on weekly basis against the consumption of harmful substances.

    “This is my second time of working in Enugu, I can tell you that mkpurumiri is the biggest problem we have in Enugu,” he said.

    Reading his address earlier, Wadahi disclosed that the command had put in place strategies to continue to arrest drug traffickers as well as seize all illicit drugs being peddled in and through Enugu State.

    According to him, the command have seized 1.874 tonnes of various drugs which include Cocaine, Cannabis sativa and Methamphetamine.

    “A total of 51 suspects were prosecuted and 85 cases are pending in court.

    “Apart from convictions, assets of convicts used as instrumentality of crime or the proceeds derived from drug trafficking were forfeited to Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “Within the period under review, the Command has counseled, treated and rehabilitated 122 clients, including 52 brief interventions,” he said.

    He decried the UN Office on Drugs and Crime 2018 Drug Use Survey that showed that 15 million Nigerians abuse drugs, stating that it was three times the global average.

    “This is unacceptable and considering the foregoing data and projections, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to invest heavily in drug use preventive measures.

    “I hope it will not be an exaggeration to describe this as a national emergency,” he said.

    Declaring the event open, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, said the state was working hard to combat the devastating issues of drug abuse and illicit trafficking through multi-sectoral approach.

    Mbah, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, said the drug consumption in the state was worrisome and expressed the willingness to combat it.

    According to him, the destructive grip of drugs, transcend borders and demographics, tears someone apart, shatters lives and weaken the very fabric of the communities

    “Human lives are immeasurable and economic impact is undeniable. It borders our healthcare system, drain resources and undermine public safety”.

    In a remark, the Chairman of the event, Igwe C.M Nevobasi, the Ezeani III of Agunese Mmaku Kingdom, represented by one of his Cabinet, Chief Frederick Ngene, while decrying rate of drug abuse in Nigeria, urged governments to invest more on youths development.

    He commended NDLEA for the celebration, pledging that he and other leaders in his domain would continue to sensitise youths in the area.

    Taking students who attended the event on Drug Abuse and its Effect”, the founder of David Folarinmi Foundation, David Folarinmi, said that drug abuse and Illicit trafficking could lead to addiction and death.

    Folarin charged the students to shun illicit drugs saying that it was detrimental to their health, academics and future endeavour. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Declare state of emergency on illicit drug, Edo Assembly urges FG

    Drugs

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 26,2024 (NAN) The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drugs trafficking in Nigeria.

    The speaker, made the call in Benin while addressing a rally organised by Smile Africa International Youth Initiative, an NGO, to mark the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse.

    “I am sad and concerned about the drug abuse pandemic the country is grappling with; and we should be passionate about the health of our youths,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants of the rally were at the Edo State House of Assembly to mark the day usually celebrated on June 26 every year.

    Agbebaku who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko, said a state of emergency was the only solution towards tackling the menace.

    Agbebaku said that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking were the bane of criminality in the state and nation at large.

    The speaker described drug traffickers as the worst criminals that should not be tolerated in any community that wants to make progress.

    He explained that hard drugs presents multifaceted challenges that touch the lives of millions of people, adding that the impact of drug abuse is far-reaching and complex.

    Agbebaku listed some of the problems associated with drug abuse to include individual struggling with substance use disorders and struggle with consequences of drug trafficking and crimes.

    “If you have been following the house activities, you would know that the house has passed several resolutions on the need to prevent drug abuse and trafficking.

    “Today, we are sad that drug is destroying communities in the country and everyone is pretending not to see it.

    “Drugs are now being sold freely in certain locations in the state and yet not much is being done to check the menace,’’ he said.

    The speaker suggested that the federal government should declare a state of emergency to effectively deal with the situation.

    Agbebaku assured that the house would join to carry out sustained enlightenment campaigns against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

    “Taking to drugs is a journey of no return; rehabilitation does not often solve the problem, so we need to speak out to prevent our children from the menace,’’ he said.

    Earlier, the Executive Director of Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative, Mr Purpose Iserhienrhien, said they were at the assembly complex in support of the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.

    Iserhienrhien said that the day afforded them the opportunity to call for collective action to combat the scourge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

    “The impacts of drugs extend beyond individual users to the entire societies; it threatens the health, safety and prosperity of our population,” he said.

    The speaker called on the state government to invest in prevention programmes to address the challenges posed by drug abuse. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NY/FEO/EMAF
    ===========
    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and Emmanuel Afonne

  • Center reviews 2023 polls, lauds voter education, technology deployment  

    Center

    By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

    Calabar, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The International Press Centre (IPC) has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the high level of voter education, planning and technology deployed during the 2023 general election.

    Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, gave the commendation on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders at a one-day multi-stakeholder dialogue in Calabar, Cross River.

    Arogundade said there was a need to address the crucial issue of rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process in spite of the remarkable improvement noticed in certain areas during the 2023 general elections.

    He, however, called on INEC to work towards improving the logistics challenges, voter’s participation, disputes and violence that usually characterise the country’s election.

    “This dialogue is part of the European Union’s support for democratic governance in Nigeria, under the ‘component four’ (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project.

    “The Calabar event is the fourth dialogue of its kind following previous successful sessions in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna states.

    “Building trust requires involvement from all stakeholders, and not just the INEC,” he said.

    He urged participants to work together to ensure credible elections and increase voter participation in the next general election.

    Prof. Takim Ojua of the University of Calabar, noted that electoral fraud and violence were long-standing issues in Nigerian politics.

    Ojua who was the lead speaker at the event, said that rebuilding trust required a collective effort of every stakeholder.

    On his part, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogon Grimah, represented by DSP Igri Ewa, highlighted the role of the Police in maintaining law and order during elections.

    Similarly, Mr Ken Bassey, representing the Trade Union Congress (TUC), emphasised the need for fair compensation for workers to reduce electoral fraud.

    Participants included political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.

    They discussed the need for improved voter registration, adequate training for electoral officials and effective collation and transmission of election results.

    They also emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges of free and fair election in Nigeria through robust legal frameworks and effective enforcement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ESI/EMAF
    ========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Gov Sule commiserates with ex-deputy Gov Agara over wife’s death

     

    Condolence

    By Awayi Kuje

    Lafia, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has commiserated with former Deputy Governor of the state, Silas Agara over the death of his wife, Mrs Jummai Agara.

    Sule, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lafia, urged the former deputy to take solace in God over the unfortunate incident.

    “I am saddened by the news of the demise of Mrs Jummai Agara, the beloved wife of our former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Silas Agara.

    “The loss of life anyway is painful even more so is the death of a partner who had provided support, care and love to her family and wherever she found herself.

    “She will be sorely missed,” Sule said.

    The governor also prayed God to forgive the shortcomings and for the repose of the soul of ex-deputy governor’s wife.

    “I, on behalf of my family and the good  people of our state whole heartedly commiserate with His Excellency Silas Agara and the rest of the family.

    “Sir, I urge you to take solace in the fond memories and the worthy life Jummai lived.

    “My condolences to the entire people of Akwanga Local Government Area in particular and the state as a whole,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Mrs Agara died on June 25, 2024, at a hospital in Abuja following a protracted illness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/FAT/IU
    ============
    Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/ Isaac Ukpoju

  • NDLEA arrests 150 drug trafficking suspects in Nasarawa State

     

    Arrests

    By Awayi Kuje

    Lafia, June 26, 2024 (NAN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it arrested 150 suspected drugs traffickers in Nasarawa State between July 2023 and June 2024.

    Mr Peter Onche-Odaudu, State Commander of NDLEA in Nasarawa made the disclosure at the grand finale of a week-long event to mark the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Wednesday in Lafia.

    Onche-Odaudu said that the suspects comprised of 144 males and six females, while 7,148.95 kilogrammes of illicit drugs were seized within the period under review.

    According to the commander, the over seven tons of exhibit seized were made up of 7,037.2kg of Indian hemp, 0.011kg of Cocaine, 0.185kg of Methamphetamine and 111.53kg of sundry psychotropic substances.

    “A very significant arrest and seizure is that of 4,037kg of Indian hemp in one fell swoop on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

    “This remains the single highest seizure of drugs in the history of the drug war in Nasarawa State. The suspects arrested and the 40-footer truck seized are being prosecuted and forfeited respectively,” he said.

    The NDLEA commander in the state also noted that within the period, 117 suspects were convicted and given various jail terms at the Federal High Court, Lafia.

    He said that the Command, through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, sensitised no fewer than 46,802 persons – 27,033 males and 19,769 females in schools, communities, workplaces and motor parks across the state.

    “As part of our rehabilitation programme, Eight male clients were taken into our facility, counseled and rehabilitated, 752 arrested suspects, who were obvious drug user, were given brief counselling interventions and released to their families,” he said.

    Onche-Odaudu noted that the theme for 2024 drugs day commemoration, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, was instructive as it tallied with the ideal of UN to prioritise prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation over punishment and incarceration.

    He attributed the feat recorded by Command in the drug war in the state to the support from Governor Abdullahi Sule, his wife, Silifat Sule, as well as the encouragement from the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Retired Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa and other stakeholders in the state.

    The NDLEA boss in the state also appreciated officers and men of the Command for their bravery and commitment to the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which he said had yielded tremendous results in the state.

    Onche-Odaudu, however, said that the Command was grappling with daunting challenges of lack of operational vehicles and other logistics.

    “Also paucity of funds to run the Command and particularly to procure credible intelligence on the activities of drug dealers, from our confidential Informant or ‘whistleblowers’ in more common parlance, continue to be a cog in our wheel,” he said.

    In her remarks, Hajiya Silifat Sule, wife of Nasarawa governor and Special Guest at the event, pledged her commitment and support to NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

    Sule said as a mother, should could not fold her arms an watch the youth waste their lives to drugs.(NAN)

    AKW/IU

    ==========

    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • C’River Govt. denies abandoning road projects

    Projects

    By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

    Calabar, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Cross River Commissioner for Information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, has denied allegations that the Gov. Bassey Otu-led government has abandoned some ongoing road projects in the state.

    Ekpang made the denial while speaking to newsmen on the state of ongoing road projects in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government is being accused of not being proactive in the implementation of two key road projects it used to mark its first year in office.

    A NAN survey around some project sites showed that the contractors handling the Parliamentary Extension and the Zone 6/NNPC-Tank Farm Road projects at Esuk Utan, were no longer at work.

    No equipment owned by the contractor, FaithPlant Construction Limited, was found within the project site.

    NAN reports that a section of the Parliamentary Extension Road, constructed under the administration of the former governor, Liyel Imoke, had become highly deteriorated.

    Simirlarly, the Tank Farm Road, constructed during the military era, had also become a nightmare for truck drivers and other road users.

    NAN further reports that upon resumption of office, Otu commissioned work to commence on the reconstruction of the two roads.

    Meanwhile, the commissioner said that the contractors only left the project sites because of the heavy rainfall.

    “Our projects are still very much on course, it is not true that we have abandoned these projects, they are very important to us, and we will complete them.

    “The only challenge here is the weather and you don’t expect the contractors to leave their equipment on site during the rains.

    “Let me also say that the peculiarity of the Parliamentary Extension Road does not permit continuation of work during the rains. The area is swampy,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ESI/AZU

    ======

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh