Politics
RSG, Julius Berger Sign Fifth Flyover Contract
Crucial issues, with far reaching impact on the people and residents of Rivers State, were considered last week in Government House, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Government and the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc officially signed contract papers for the construction of yet another flyover in the state.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zaacheus Adango and the Commissioner for Works, Engr Austin Ben-Chioma, signed on behalf of the Rivers State Government while the Managing Director/ CEO of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Ritchter, signed for the company.
The fifth Flyover which is to be constructed at the GRA junction, along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, among others would cost the state N15.8 billion.
The Managing Director assured that his company would deliver the project in 12 months.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, said that state Government will pay the German Construction firm 70 per cent of the contract sum upfront.
Also, last week, management of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) led by its Managing Director , Tony Attah, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Wike in Government House. He announced that contract for Train Seven project has been signed to expand the existing Train Six Complex.
The MD explained that the Train Seven project would create about 12,000 job opportunities and boost the economy of both the host communities and the state.
Atta, who was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director of Daewoo Nigeria Limited, Yeongsoep Jung and the Acting Managing Director of Saipem, Paviani Walker, commended the Governor for providing a conducive environment.
Responding, the Rivers State Governor noted that the Train Seven was critical to the economy of the state and that of the Federal Government and promised that the state Government would support the project to succeed.
He demanded, however, that Rivers people must be considered for both employment and contract. He said 50 per cent of the 12,000 jobs should go to the people of the state.
Within the week under review, Rivers State Government won her legal battle against the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) over the ownership of OML 11 and Kidney Island.
The Brick House landlord announced the cheering news at a public function held Friday in Government House.
Recall that the Attorney General of the state had filed a suit on behalf of Rivers State Government against Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited over ownership of OML11 and Kidney Island.
Another major event in Government House, Port Harcourt, last week, was the dissolution of the state Taskforce on Illegal Street Trading and Motor Parks by the state government.
Consequent upon this development, SA to the Governor in charge of the Taskforce, Mr Bright Amaewhule, was relieved of his duties while members of the taskforce were directed to return property of the taskforce in their possession, including their identify cards to Secretary to the State Government.
Rivers State Government has frowned at encroachment of government lands in the state by residents, describing it as unfortunate.
Governor Wike made the remark last week when he visited Government Comprehensive Secondary School Borikiri, Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State PDP Chairman , Ambassador Desmond Akawor stated this when he led the body on a courtesy visit to the Governor in Government House, last week.
He noted that Governor Wike has restored the lost glory of the state and developed massive infrastructure across the state.
Chris Oluoh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed a fire incident at its office in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a post on its official X handle, yesterday, the Commission stated that about 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, and other items were destroyed by the inferno.
According to the post, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, confirmed the incident in a report.
The report explained that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon due to a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply.
“The store’s section where petrol generators and other items were kept was completely razed.
“Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms and booklets.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response,” INEC stated.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has impeached Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.
Rt Hon. Obasa, who is serving his third term as Speaker, was removed from his position over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The 52-year-old lawmaker, who represents Agege State Constituency I, became Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015.
Rt Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, was subsequently elected to lead the House.
Rt Hon. Meranda, who took her oath of office immediately, would serve as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State legislature.
Speaking to journalists after Rt Hon. Obasa’s impeachment last Monday, a member of the House said the decision was unanimous.
The legislator also confirmed that all principal positions and standing committees in the Assembly have been dissolved
“It is just a change of baton. It is only death that is constant. Change is inevitable,” the member said.
“The members of the parliament, today, have decided to change the leadership of the House. And the constitution makes it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings.
“So, members of the House felt we have had enough of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; and today, we have unanimously agreed that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda becomes the Speaker.
“It was a resolution concurred to by all members of the parliament and so be it. Honourable Fatai Adebola is Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.
“And as we speak, all the principal positions have been dissolved. All standing committees stand dissolved”, he added.
In 2023, the Assembly faced public backlash after rejecting 17 out of 39 commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
At the time, Rt Hon. Obasa denied any rift with the governor, although the issue prompted a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
More recently, the Rt Hon. Obasa-led Assembly proposed a bill to restructure local governance in the state.
The bill sought to replace the existing 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created in 2003 by Bola Tinubu, former governor of the state, with democratically elected local governments, recognising only 20 LGAs as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
However, in a statement seen as a counter, Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC chairman in Lagos State, insisted that elections would still hold in the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in 2025.
Rt Hon. Obasa was impeached following a motion moved under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Femi Saheed.
Hon. Saheed, in line with provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accused Rt Hon. Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership, which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings; high handedness and lack of regard for members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting them against one another, amongst others.
He mentioned that Rt Hon. Obasa also practised an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties.
He, therefore, moved the motion for impeachment.
Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.
Subsequently, Rt Hon. Meranda emerged as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, while Fatai Mojeed emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
In a related development, the House also suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko. He was replaced with Mr. Abubakar Ottun as Acting Clerk of the House.
Later, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, while speaking with newsmen on behalf of the lawmakers, explained why the members changed the leadership of the House.
According to him, “The Lagos State House of Assembly has declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.
“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians.”
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
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