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Road Project Cost Debate Intensifies As Umahi Challenges Makinde To Public Discussion

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The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has reacted angrily to comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde over the ongoing controversy about the cost of road projects under the current administration.

 

Umahi made his feelings known while inspecting the Keffi section of the Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi Road, along side the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Saturday.

 

He told his host: “I have a lot of respect for governors and the Governors Forum. But if a governor that is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me, I will talk back.

 

“One thing I’m very good at is Mathematics. I’m an ‘A’ student in mathematics.”

 

Controversy on cost per kilometre

 

The minister said: “This controversy about cost per kilometer, I have told you that this project is about 43 kilometres.

 

“But we have increased it to utilize the money given for the project by the last administration, which was N73 billion. We have increased it to about 45 kilometers.

 

“If we are doing surface tracing on the shoulder, the cost will be different. If we are using asphalt on the shoulder, the cost will be different. If we are using concrete as we are using, the cost will be different.

 

“It is being mischievous when you ask for the cost of a length of road, but by the professorial information, you can ask for cost per kilometer; could be divided to sections.

 

“First, estimated cost, and estimated cost of this project, you can divide N73 billion over 45 kilometers,. That is the estimated cost. This cost has the element of contingency.

 

“When you have finished this project – and of course, you can see that in this project, there are places you are using the existing median and there are places you will construct new median – will the cost be the same?

 

“It is not possible.

 

“When you have finished, you removed the vop, you removed contingency, you have not used. It is N40 or N70 billion, and probably you have done 50 kilometers.

 

“Then that is when you divide and have an average cost. Average cost of definitive and estimated cost is a probable element.

 

“When I heard that somebody, my brother and friend Governor Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State said… I don’t want to join issues with him.

 

‘Road construction, not electrical engineering’

 

“I think he is an engineer, an electrician. They called it electrical electronics. This is road construction.

 

“Electrical electronics no reach there (This is beyond Electrical Electronic Engineering).

 

“I am his senior in governance and his senior in engineering practice. And so anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask and I will not join issue because I have respect for our governors.

 

“I have respect for him as my friend and brother but, he should withdraw the word that am dancing around. I never danced around and if he insists, he should come for debate. That is very important.

 

“There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometer. But I am teaching them that cost per kilometer could be divided into estimated cost, which has element of variance and average cost, which is definitive.

 

“That is what it is .

 

“So also is when somebody that is dangling without knowledge; going asking AI what is the difference between cost per kilometer and average cost.

 

“I am happy that AI told him what I told him. I am happy that NUC program on who is a professor also made me right.

 

“You can become a professor by the reason of your practice and I think God has made me one when it comes to practical. Field engineering program, that is what it is, you can’t take it back.”

 

Speaking about the traffic congestion along the Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi Highway, Umahi said the Federal Government would require the buy-in of the Nasarawa State government to find a permanent solution to the problem.

 

He explained that the state government would be required to take down shanties along the road corridor because there was so much illegal trading activities going on.

 

Umahi said: “We have market trading on the road in a number of locations. Our inspection today; we are going with the Governor of Nasarawa State.

 

“If the governor will do the demolition to create additional carriage way, we will fix additional carriage way in those locations and there will be no more traffic in those locations.”

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert

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Residents of Ibadan, specifically in Bodija, Agbowo, Akobo, and the Agodi GRA, are currently on high alert after the Police and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) issued an urgent warning regarding a recent surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in those areas.

 

According to the DAILY POST, the Bodija Housing Estate Police Division and its community partners have formally expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.

 

In a statement signed by Bodija Housing Estate Police Division PCRC and Community Policing Unit of the division, they noted that there is an increase in the rate of kidnapping and armed robberies in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

The statement urged residents to take necessary safety measures amidst rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

In the statement tagged “Urgent Safety Measures Amid Rising Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Incidents in Areas Including Akobo and Bodija the residents were alerted that the desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts.

 

Part of the statement reads, “In light of the recent increase in criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery across our communities, it has become imperative to issue updated safety guidelines. The desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts, and we must all be vigilant.

 

“Please adhere strictly to the following precautions, and also note the additional measures outlined below:

 

“Remember: Your safety and that of your loved ones depend greatly on your level of awareness and willingness to take precautionary steps. Security is a collective responsibility.

 

“Report emergencies promptly to: Oyo State Police Command: control room:08081768614, 08081768574

Bodija Division: DPO +2348052046348; PCRC Helpline/ Chairman – 07068874553”.

 

JomogNews reports that some residents have been in a panic mood as a result of the notice.

 

A resident of Bodija Housing Estate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that the recent happenings necessitated the notice.

 

“The recent happenings necessitated the move. Yes we have to be careful. People now think twice before they go out. We are more security conscious than before,” he said.

 

 

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