News
Road Project Cost Debate Intensifies As Umahi Challenges Makinde To Public Discussion
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.”
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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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