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October 23, 2024 Umahi Gives Julius Berger Seven-Day Ultimatum on Abuja-Kaduna Road Project
IFMNEWS

Umahi Gives Julius Berger Seven-Day Ultimatum on Abuja-Kaduna Road Project

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has given Julius Berger a seven-day ultimatum to accept the Federal Government's offer of ₦740.79 billion for the completion of the 82km section II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road. This was announced during a visit to the Minister by Julius Berger's new Managing Director, Dr. Pier Lubasch, and outgoing Managing Director, Dr. Lars Richter, at the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement from the Minister's Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna, the contract could be terminated if Julius Berger does not accept the offer. The Minister stressed that despite the Federal Executive Council's approval of the funds, delays in mobilizing for the project are causing significant hardship for road users, and the government is bearing the brunt of the situation.

Umahi criticized the company's delay tactics, which have led to the contract price increasing from ₦710 billion to ₦740 billion. He stated that if Julius Berger does not proceed with the project, the Ministry will find another contractor to complete the job within a reasonable budget.

He expressed disappointment that a company like Julius Berger, which has benefited from government contracts over the years, is being unreasonable in its pricing, especially given Nigeria's current economic challenges. The Minister urged the contractor to either accept or reject the reviewed contract amount within seven days, warning that the government would not tolerate being held hostage by inflated pricing.

Umahi emphasized that the offer is final and non-negotiable, stating that negotiations had dragged on for 14 months without resolution, and it was time to move forward. He also reiterated the need for construction companies working with the Ministry to offer realistic pricing and value for money in support of Nigeria's road infrastructure development under President Bola Tinubu's administration.

The new Managing Director of Julius Berger promised to respond soon, hoping for a resolution that would allow the project to commence without further delays. Meanwhile, the outgoing managing director explained that the visit was primarily to introduce his successor to the minister.

October 23, 2024 Beggar Eviction to Begin in FCT on Monday — Wike
IFMNEWS

Beggar Eviction to Begin in FCT on Monday — Wike

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to roadside beggars, urging them to stop or face arrest by enforcement agents. This announcement was made by the FCT Minister during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of access roads to the newly initiated judges’ quarters in Katampe.

The minister expressed concern over the alarming number of people begging on the streets, noting that their presence poses a security threat to the metropolis. He then set a deadline of October 27, 2024, for those involved to vacate the streets.

During the same event, the minister recalled revoking the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of several plots of land allocated to Julius Berger, the German construction company, in Katampe District.

The ceremony marked the official launch of the Design and Construction of 40 Judges' Quarters in Abuja, an event attended by dignitaries including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

Wike also revealed that 70% of the project funds had already been released following its approval by the Federal Executive Council. Of the 40 units to be constructed, 20 will be allocated to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.

October 21, 2024 IPOB Denies Involvement in Monday, Tuesday Sit-at-Home Orders
IFMNEWS

IPOB Denies Involvement in Monday, Tuesday Sit-at-Home Orders

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has refuted claims that it issued a sit-at-home directive for October 21 and 22 across Igbo land. The group stressed that it always makes official announcements when such orders are made and urged the public to disregard what it described as a false and "obnoxious order" by criminals aiming to tarnish IPOB’s reputation.

In a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group clarified that they do not enforce sit-at-home orders without legitimate reasons.

"IPOB did not order a two-day sit-at-home, and we don’t want to create panic over inconsequential directives from infiltrators," he said. "We are not in the habit of threatening Ndigbo. Whenever we declare a sit-at-home, it is made public. Our people should ignore these false orders from criminals working to tarnish the peaceful image of the IPOB movement."

Despite IPOB’s denial, commercial activities in Aba, Abia State, were heavily disrupted due to a sit-at-home declared by suspected pro-Biafra groups. Schools, banks, markets, and businesses were shut down, and major roads like Azikiwe, Faulks, Ngwa, Aba-Owerri, and Obohia were deserted. Security forces, including combined teams of soldiers and police, were seen patrolling key areas of the city.

October 21, 2024 FG Panel Reveals Bobrisky Enjoyed Special Privileges in Prison
IFMNEWS

FG Panel Reveals Bobrisky Enjoyed Special Privileges in Prison

An investigative panel established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was granted special privileges while in custody at the Medium and Maximum-Security Custodial Centres.

The panel, which is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, is investigating allegations of corruption and misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service. During the presentation of the phase one report in Abuja, Uju Agomoh, a member of the panel and Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), disclosed details of Bobrisky’s preferential treatment.

Agomoh confirmed reports shared by social critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, which suggested Bobrisky’s "godfather" and Nigerian Correctional Service staff enabled him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment instead of prison. According to the panel, Bobrisky was given furnished single cells, access to a humidifier, frequent visits from family and friends, self-feeding privileges, designated inmates to run errands, and access to a refrigerator, television, and possibly his phone.

The panel raised concerns about whether these privileges were financially motivated and driven by corruption within the correctional service. Agomoh emphasized that Bobrisky’s transfer to a maximum-security facility as a first offender violated Sections 164A and 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.

Further investigations will focus on whether the correctional officers involved in Bobrisky's case violated any ethical standards in granting such privileges, and the panel aims to address broader issues of corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

RELATED: Bobrisky Arrested for Alleged N15m Bribery While Attempting to Flee to Benin Republic – VeryDarkMan Claims

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