Headlines
Why We Are Yet to Complete Lagos-Ibadan Expressway – Fashola
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on Thursday, revealed that the problem of insufficient funds and the increasing price of construction materials were the only issues delaying the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
This was as he blamed the previous administration for neglecting critical infrastructure.
Fashola made the revelation when he appeared on Television Continental programme, Your View, where he said crash barriers returned to the site because of the volume of vehicles plying the road, as he pleaded for patience and cooperation with the contractors.
He added that the last mile of the project would be completed in the first quarter of 2023.
He said, “Let me first appreciate commuters who use that road, a major transport artery in Nigeria for their understanding. This road could have been built between 1999 and 2015 but it wasn’t. This road is in better shape than we inherited and it is now at the last mile of completion.
“The major source of delay first is funding.
“You remember at a point this road was removed from the budget completely and I was engaging the National Assembly until the president unveiled the presidential infrastructure development fund which was essentially from investments from the Nigerian LNG and funds recovered from outside Nigeria.
“So, when people talk about corruption and anti-corruption, a president who goes to recover funds stolen and put it in investment for his people is the real anti-corruption as far as I am concerned.
“On the crash barriers, they are there because we are building through a major transport artery. Our last traffic count indicates that at least N40,000 vehicles use that road from the Lagos end to the Sagamu end.
“After Sagamu it drops to 22 thousand so that has to be managed to ensure the safety of the construction workers.
“We closed site work in December because traditionally construction companies shut down mid-December and resume mid-January.
“We are still expecting to finish the project in the first quarter.”
When asked about solutions to reduce gridlock, he said, “You can’t expect to drive fast in a construction zone, there will be a bit of slowdown and it is in that slowdown that ‘how we behave’ becomes very important.”
Speaking further, the former Lagos governor disclosed that the construction of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway had received funding of N7 billion from the new Sukuk bonds assuring that the pains of Ogun residents would be alleviated soon.
“I hear the concern about Lagos-Abeokuta (Road) and there are people we should ask why Lagos -Abeokuta (Road) was not built.
“I can categorically say that all roads that lead into and out of Lagos as a strategic commercial capital of Nigeria are receiving one form of attention or the other.
“Again, contractors had abandoned the site when we came and we revived and we are putting the Sukuk into it and the last Sukuk has about N7 billion in it. So, we don’t have all the money to build it. I understand there is more pain on the Ogun side but the Lagos side work is going because the contractor is constructing from Lagos to Ogun.
“In a matter of weeks, I am hopeful we would have a more enjoying financial solution not only to Lagos-Abeokuta but also to Akure and Ado Ekiti and once that is done, whether we are in government or not, those roads will be constructed,” he said.
On the need to toll some roads, he asserted that it was a necessary business venture that would raise revenue without sacrificing the quality of service delivered to commuters.
He stated, “First, we have to understand that out of about 200,000 plus kilometers, the total quantity of roads that would be under the tolling policy approved by the government will be only five per cent, so it is not such a high volume of roads.
“The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was built as a toll road from day one and we want to sustain the quality of service.
“I think it is sensible in terms of traffic volume that roads can be subject to commercial policies, not just to raise revenue but render quality service to Nigerians.
“Tolling itself is business everywhere in the world. We have to continue opening up the economy to these things.
“We can’t stay with agriculture, oil, tech and all of that. We have to open up more economic opportunities.”
Furthermore, the minister announced his retirement from public service, stating that he had been extremely privileged to run government for 21 years and wanted to take a break.
The Punch
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
