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Tinubu: I Dedicate My Entire Being To Service Of Nigeria, Africa

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Before a distinguished audience of Nigerians and non-Nigerians yesterday, President-elect Bola Tinubu pledged to dedicate himself to the service of the nation and Africa.

“Today, I stand before you, ready to dedicate my entire being to the service of our great nation and the African continent,” he vowed at a lecture organised as part of the activities marking his inauguration tomorrow.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who delivered the keynote address at the Inauguration lecture, asked Tinubu to waste no time in transiting from the mood of contesting an election to that of readiness to build a prosperous Nigeria for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political tendencies.

President Muhammadu Buhari vouched for the ability of his successor to deliver on the task Nigerians have placed before him.

Groups and well-wishers are already rolling out the drums in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in celebration of the Monday inauguration of the nation’s 16th president.

Tinubu, in his speech at the lecture, restated his commitment to the ideals of democracy as the best form of government.

“Democracy is more than a system of governance; it is the very lifeblood that empowers a nation to flourish and thrive,” he said.

“We stand at the precipice of a new era where the ideals of democracy will guide our path towards sustainable development.”

Tinubu while embracing his African identity reaffirmed his love for the continent.

He also recognised the collective efforts of Nigerians and Africans in shaping their democratic political cultures and institutions, tailored to the unique conditions and challenges faced by their societies.

He articulated the essence of democracy, emphasising that it transcends being a mere form of government. “Democracy, my fellow countrymen, is not only a political system; it is a way of life. It embodies a distinctive code of thought and conduct, demanding the utmost integrity and self-improvement from leaders,” he said.

Stating the paradoxical nature of democracy, the President-elect noted that while it guarantees freedom, its survival hinges on responsible and measured use of that freedom, adding that democracy, as an ever-evolving concept, empowers the majority to express their will while safeguarding the fundamental interests of the minority.

“Our democracy is not an abstract ideal; it is a practical vessel that will propel our nation to new heights in every facet of our collective existence,” Tinubu added.

Drawing insights from Nigeria’s national experience, he acknowledged the merits of democracy even in its imperfect manifestations, stressing that it surpasses the most perfect dictatorship in terms of justice, humanity, and productivity.

He pledged to utilise democratic institutions not only to safeguard political and civil rights but also to drive comprehensive economic reforms that engender broad-based prosperity, create employment opportunities, and unlock the nation’s untapped potential.

Speaking on the theme “Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development”, Kenyatta summed up the leadership crisis in Africa, not just Nigeria, using the experience of his time in his country’s governance, to negative ethnicity, religious intolerance and economic greed.

Kenyatta, who noted that while elections may divide the people, leadership must bring them together, encouraged Tinubu to surround himself with voices that challenge his own, and to reach out to those who may feel aggrieved in order to build a stronger nation together.

He said that as President, Tinubu must lead and unite all citizens, regardless of whether or not they supported him during the election process, and expressed his hope that Nigeria would emerge from this transition ready to take on the world stage.

Kenyatta said: “The contest is now over and the hard work of building a prosperous and unified Nigeria now begins.

“Upon assuming the office of President, you would be wise to transcend from the tactical politics of an election and assume your role as Nigeria’s vision bearer.

“This will demand a complete overhaul of the adversarial mindset that we as politicians are conditioned to embrace during the electoral process.

“As President, you must learn very quickly to lead those who do not love you and those who love you with equal passion and commitment because you are now the father of all.

“When countries are in election mode, the people and its leaders are more divided than ever, and boxed into their various sectarian and partisan interests.

“However, when you are the head of state, and you take command of the country’s armed forces, you become the embodiment of the sum total of the many different ethnic groups, religions that make up your country, and you become the symbol of unity. Indeed, you become the face of Nigeria.

“I encourage you to surround yourself with the voices of those who will counterbalance the hardliners that feel entitled to a piece of your office, you will lose nothing and gain everything by reaching out across the political, ethnic and religious lines.

“To those who may feel aggrieved by your victory in one way or another, please allow them to exhale and be part of your vision for a greater Nigeria.

“It is my hope and my prayer that the lessons from across the continent will give you the resolve to walk the difficult path overcoming those three enemies.

“I started by mentioning the three enemies of nationhood: negative ethnicity, religious discrimination and corruption.

“As your fellow African, I look forward to a Nigeria that emerges from this transition, ready to flex and fight for its rightful place on the global stage with both hands at the ready.”

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Video: Court Strikes Out Suit Against #EndBadGovernance Protesters

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The Nigerian government has moved EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters from the Abuja Federal High Court premises.

This followed Justice Obiora Egwuatu’s decision to strike out the suit after an application by M. D. Abubakar, counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, to take over and discontinue the case.

Representing the Attorney General of the Federation, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar announced his exercise of powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to assume control of the case from the Inspector General of Police.

Upon granting this request, Justice Egwuatu also accepted the Attorney General’s invocation of the same section to discontinue the trial of the 119 accused persons.

DAILY POST reports that 76 people were arrested in Kano and Kaduna states and detained for hoisting the Russian flag during the EndBadGovernance protest.

Those arrested were charged with attempting to overthrow President Tinubu.

During last week’s court appearance, there was drama when 29 minors among those arrested fainted during arraignment, reportedly due to malnutrition.

 

 

 

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FG Terminates ₦740bn Abuja-Kaduna Road Contract With Julius Berger Over Non-Performance

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FG has terminated the ₦740bn Abuja-Kaduna road contract with Julius Berger over non-performance.

The Federal Government has terminated the ₦740bn contract for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway with Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc over non-performance, JomogNews reports.

This online news platform recalls that last month, the Minister of Works, David Umahi issued a seven-day ultimatum to the company to accept FG’s offer of N740.79bn for the completion of the 82km section II of the road.

Umahi lamented that the delay in mobilising to the site despite the approved funds by the Federal Executive Council was causing untold hardship to the road users and that FG was at the receiving end of the situation.

In an updated statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed on Monday said the contract was terminated after the notice of termination to the company for the completion of the project elapsed on Monday.

The ministry also said it had held different discussions with the company over several months; however, the discussions failed to yield results.

While the Kaduna-Zaria section has been completed and the Zaria-Kano section is almost done, the Abuja-Kaduna section has recorded 27 per cent progress in six years.

Umahi at an event penultimate week, also accused the company of playing politics with the highway to make the current administration look bad

The Monday statement read in part, “Based on non-compliance with reviewed cost, scope and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to site, as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), today, 4th November, 2024.

“The decision, which is borne out of several months of going back and forth without any meaningful progress was reached at a Management meeting of the Ministry. The Ministry has in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail.

“Nigerians may wish to know that the Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, which was divided into three (3) Sections was awarded to the company on 20th December, 2017 and flagged off by the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, H:E. Babatunde Raji Fashola at an initial sum of N155.748,178,425.50billion (One Hundred and Fifty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred Forty-Eight Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Five naira Fifty Kobo) on 18th June, 2018. Sections II(Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria – Kano)were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

“Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other, and finally, the present Minister of Works directed for the redesigning and re-scoping of Section I of the contract.

“The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), while the remaining with asphaltic pavement. Approval for Section I, Phase 1 for a length of 38 (thirty-eight) kilometres on concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127(one hundred and twenty-seven) kilometres remained with the substantive contractor.

“The Phase 1 was flagged off on 17th October, 2024 with a 14-month completion period.

“Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the Ministry re-scoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“The award for the Re-scoping and Downward Review of Contract for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) in favour of Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc from the sum of N797,263,523,738.87 (seven hundred and ninety-seven billion, two hundred and sixty-three million, five hundred and twenty-three thousand, seven hundred and thirty-eight naira eighty-seven kobo)to N740,797,204,173.25 (seven hundred and forty billion, seven hundred and ninety-seven million, two hundred and four thousand, one hundred and seventy-three naira twenty-five kobo)was granted by FEC on 23rd September, 2024 and conveyed to the company on 3rd October, 2024.

“As due to the socio-economic importance the road as a vital artery connecting Abuja, the FCT to the North, the Ministry conveyed the approval for a Final Offer on the Abuja – Kaduna Dual Carriageway to the company on 23rd October, 2024, stating that it should agree, in writing, to accept the reviewed contract sum of N740,797,204,173.25 (seven hundred and forty billion, seven hundred and ninety-seven million, two hundred and four thousand, one hundred and seventy-three naira twenty-five kobo) within seven (7) days or risk the termination of the said contract.

“It is a sad commentary on the Company that rather than accepting the offer, they tinkered with the Bills of Quantities, as well as that of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation via a letter to the Ministry dated 29th October, 2024.

“The company was summoned for a meeting with the Management of the Ministry today, 4th November, 2024 but refused to show up, hence the termination of the contract based on effluxion of time and non-performance.”

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Just In: Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye Dies At 64

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The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, died at a tertiary health institution in Ekiti on Monday November 4, 2024 after a brief illness.

Although details of his death have not been made known officially, sources told our reporter that he passed on after a brief stay at the hospital.

He was sworn in as a Chief Judge on October 11 2021 by former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The Chief Judge was born in 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and called to bar in 1986.

He started his career as a State counsel in the Civil service of the old Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the creation of the State in 1996.

He got elevated to the position of a judge in the Ekiti State High Court in 2002 and has served at different times in the election petition tribunals.

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