Chief Lateef Fagbemi, Chairman of the APC NCCCS, and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, made this known during a meeting of the committee on Thursday in Abuja.

Fagbemi, represented by the Assistant Secretary of the Committee and Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, also promised fair play in the 2027 General Elections.

According to him, the party is tightening its grip on the road to 2027, rolling out a battery of committees and promising a rule-bound, national convention.

He explained that at the heart of the push is a high-powered legal committee tasked with one job: to keep the party on the right side of the law.

“This is a legal committee that is formed with the sole mandate of looking at legal issues to comply with the extant laws of this country.

“That is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and then, of course, other guidelines that may be, from time to time, be issued by the Electoral Body.

“So we felt that, as a party, moving towards convention, this committee has to sit down and look at all those issues,” he explained.

Fagbemi said several committees were formed to look at the issue of legal framework, dispute resolution, documentation, drafting some legal instruments, and so many other things that may be necessary during and after the convention.

He said that as Democrats, APC also decided to look at the issue of inclusivity of all party members.

“So we decided to form a particular committee that will look at all the aspirants and discuss with them to see how we can form a formidable consensus that will scale us through the convention exercise.

“So for us, we are set,” he said.

Fagbemi said the committee was being headed by himself, the Attorney General of the Federation and the former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba and many senior advocates of Nigeria.

He added that the committee also included: academicians and other lawyers that had contributed immensely.

He said they had received all the reports of the various committees.

According to him, with that, NCCCS is swinging into action so as to avoid any issue that might arise before, during, and after convention.

Fagbemi said that with the structure on ground, APC was ready for fair play.

He described the party as law-abiding and respectful of democratic principles, aligning its approach with the rule-of-law agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“We respect the rule of law, and we remember the President, Bola Tinubu, who is a true democrat keep on saying, and showing by his action, that he is a true democrat.

“He has identified the promotion of the rule of law as one of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration because he gave priority to the rule of law.

“That is why this committee was formed to look at all the interests of all members of the party,” he said.

Highlighting its national outlook, Fagbemi maintained that the party remained open to all Nigerians regardless of region, age, or background, stressing that its growing strength is rooted in inclusivity and internal cohesion.

He said the party would not exclude anybody adding that APC went to the root of the democratic process and of all the concerns and interests of Nigerians.

“You can see how the party is waxing stronger and stronger. It is the largest party in sub-Saharan Africa, or in Africa, if I may say.

“So that is why, we are forming a formidable team that will address all issues, all concerns, so that we will be able to move together as a team that will be able to support our president to build a prosperous Nigeria.”

Source: NAN

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Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued the warning to the contractor handling the project during an inspection tour of the ongoing reconstruction works on Saturday in Abuja.

Umahi commended the contractor for the quality of work done, but frowned at the slow pace of work.

He said the contractors would be paid for jobs done based on milestone completion.

According to him, those who could not meet up the federal government targets would get their contracts revoked and given to those who could deliver.

“We are going to agree on what you can finish in the next one year, and we will agree on milestone completion.

“If you complete from here to there, you will get paid.

“For those who cannot meet up, we will divide their jobs and give to those who can.

“We are giving you an advance notice, and the advance notice is that you should start another gang.

“If I come again in the month of November, and the thing is still like this, I will discontinue the job.

“The quality of the job is excellent, the pace of the work is nonsense,” he said.

Umahi disclosed that the amount approved for the third section of the road, being inspected was N56 billion for 53 kilometers, and the job had to be completed in April 2026.

He explained that it was to be done on asphalt, but the contractor decided to do concrete at the same price upon realisation that it is a better option.

Speaking at another section of the road, Umahi commended the quality of work being done.

He said the federal government decided to use an indigenous contractor for the job to build content and they were doing a good work.

READ ALSO: NAF airstrikes kill 25 terrorists in Borno, Yobe

“The other section of the route, which is about 86 kilometers, is also being procurred and if this contractor increases his pace of work, we will ask him to join the contractors that we bid for that one.

“If it is for quality, we give him 99.9 per cent. But he should increase the pace. We know we are owing him that is why it is a bit slow.

“We will pay him within the next 30 days. We are surprising with payment.

“I encourage our indigenous contractors so that they can compete with the expatriates and they are not only competing on the house, they are beating a number of expatriates.”

He commended the governor and people of Kogi State for their cooperation.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, commended President Bola Tinubu for being highly passionate about road projects.

“This project is one of the priority projects of the President.

“So, my appeal to the contractors handling this project, is to double your effort.

“Deliver this project on time, because we will not accept any excuse.

“The money is there, and of course, there is a time for completion of this project,” he said.

According to Goronyo, Nigerians are yearning for good roads and infrastructure, and the president is committed to funding the projects.

He appealed to Nigerians to continue to show solidarity.

Also speaking, the state governor, Ahmed Ododo, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Works, Mohammed Yusuf, commended President Bola Tinubu for infrastructure development.

“Our roads are in bad condition. We cannot achieve a greater height in terms of economic development without accessibility.

“That is why we are always praying for President Tinubu, to succeed,” he said.

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The Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, Mr Aliyu Kafindangi, disclosed this to newsmen on Monday while leading the search team.

Kafindangi said that the incident occurred on Sunday, adding that the ill-fated boat was carrying 51 passengers, along with goods and motorcycles, when it capsized.

He said that seven motorcycles were also retrieved from the water and that rescue efforts would continue as authorities raced against time to locate the missing passengers.

“The rescue operation is ongoing. We have also alerted neighbouring communities to assist in the search for more victims,” Kafindangi said.

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Also, the Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mr  Muhammad Bala, said that the agency had impounded the boat involved in the incident.

Bala urged boat and canoe operators to always adhere strictly to safety guidelines to prevent future tragedies.

He attributed the cause of the mishap to wind and overloading, emphasising the need for stakeholders to intensify vigilance on canoe and boat operators business.

“The safety of passengers must always be a priority.

“Overloading and ignoring basic safety measures put lives at risk,” Bala said.

Officials of NEMA, NIWA, and SEMA and local government, community leaders (Sarkin Ruwa of Kojiyo and Goronyo), as well as local divers were all involved in the operations.

Source: NAN

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The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, made this known in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

The project is a flagship of the Tinubu administration under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

The completed portion is a 30km stretch.

The inauguration will take place at Kilometer Eight of the highway.

The completed portion marks a significant milestone in the first phase of the 750km coastal highway designed to enhance connectivity along Nigeria’s southern corridor.

Umahi said in the statement that the president described the inauguration as a fulfilment of a long-held vision he conceived more than two decades ago.

“This project is not just a road; it is a symbol of national integration, economic vitality, and social cohesion.

“For Mr President, this is a dream nurtured for 27 years becoming a legacy of transformation,” Umahi said.

He said that beyond easing transport and boosting commerce in coastal communities across nine states, the highway would stand as a hallmark of engineering excellence and aesthetics.

The minister said that the president would also be expected to virtually inaugurate some other completed signature infrastructure projects within Southern Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Ocean surge: Lagos community cries out for help

According to him, the projects include the dualised East-West Road Section II (Eleme Junction–Ahoada) in Rivers, which spanned 94km.

Umahi said that the reconstructed Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Sagamu–Ibadan Section), covering 166.8km, would be among the projects to be inaugurated.

He added that the 67.1km Alesi–Ugep Road in Cross River would also be inaugurated by Tinubu.

Umahi also said that the 75m dual Enugu Bridge at New Artisan Market would be inaugurated as well as the constructed 65m New Akpoha Bridge in Ebonyi.

The president will also inaugurate the Lagos–Badagry Expressway Expansion (Agbara Junction to Nigeria/Benin Border) covering 48.6km, according to Umahi.

The minister said the president would flag off construction of new critical road projects such as the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesha–Akure–Benin Road spanning four states, the Nembe–Brass Road, and sections of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway totalling 107km.

Tinubu will also flag off Abakpa Flyover construction in Enugu State.

Umahi said that top government officials, including state governors – especially from the coastal states – National Assembly members, ministers, heads of parastatal-agencies and development partners would be expected  at the event.

He said that the Minister of State for Works, Mr Bello Goronyo, would join in welcoming dignitaries and stakeholders to the event, which he described as a celebration of a transformative chapter in Nigeria’s infrastructure story.

Umahi gave the assurance that all arrangements for the inauguration, including  security of guests, had been taken care of.

Source: NAN

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Governor Sanwo-Olu made the promise during a courtesy visit by the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Goronyo, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Goronyo was accompanied by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, and other officials of the ministry and agency.

Speaking during the courtesy visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of cooperation between all levels of government and assured the minister of Lagos State government’s commitment to collaboration.

He said, “We will always support our government at the centre, and we will also continue to work well with your ministry and the agency that you are overseeing.

“FERMA is more or less a household name here in Lagos. We know them very well. I want to say that we understand that for any government to be able to signpost and show what it has done for its people, infrastructure development is a major driver of that.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also noted that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, playeds different roles in the state, adding that more was expected from the agency in rehabilitating more roads to reduce gridlock and enhance socio-economic development.

He congratulated Goronyo on his well-deserved appointment by President Bola Tinubu, noting that his tireless work as a party man would serve the interest of Nigerians.

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Speaking earlier, Goronyo said the federal government was committed to investing in and delivering the infrastructure Nigerians required.

The minister said the courtesy visit was to strengthen collaboration between the federal and state governments on infrastructure development and urged Lagos State to continue to support the federal infrastructure projects in the state.

He said, “We must take the issue of fixing our national infrastructure very seriously. This is an infrastructure government, and we are committed to improving the nation’s road networks and supporting socio-economic development.

“What we need from you is your continued support and cooperation. I believe whatever we solicit from you, you will give it to us.”

Goronyo said the federal government was already undertaking 11 road projects in different parts of Lagos, with plans for expansion.

He also highlighted recent initiatives such as the commissioning of 212 solar streetlights in Isale Eko, aimed at enhancing security and boosting local economic activities.

The minister also noted the rehabilitation of a 300-meter road near Apapa, which he said had improved traffic flow and stimulated economic activities.

Goronyo urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, saying that would foster national prosperity.

He said, “President Bola Tinubu’s goal is to put a smile on the faces of Nigerians. We have seen his zeal and his commitment. We have seen the doggedness with which he is pursuing the Renewed Hope agenda. We must all support him.”

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The Minister of State Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, made this known on Thursday when he led military personnel to reopen the Marnona-Gundumi-Isa road closed eight years ago.

He interacted with members of different communities in Isa, Sabon Birni and Goronyo local government areas.

The reopened roads were abandoned due to security challenges and the successes were part of the achievements in the ongoing operations in the Northwest.

He explained that he was in Sokoto for the second time to lead another onslaught against bandits, terrorists and other criminals in Northwest states.

“As directed by President Bola Tinubu, I am back in Sokoto State to coordinate this assignment of flushing all bandits and other criminals.

“We have recorded successes, our troops killed notorious gang leaders and group members in different places. Relative peace has so far been restored specifically in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states.

“I am optimistic that our gallant troops will sustain the strides and continue to record success through the operation which is ongoing in the fight against these criminals,” Matawalle said.

He underscored the importance of the collaboration with the federal government in the fight in order to achieve the targeted goals.

“We must collaborate together to bring these bandits down through use of kinetic and non-kinetic methods to crush them entirely.

“We are calling for support from our governors, religious, political and community leaders toward achieving the desired success on the task ahead,” he said.

While he visited some deserted settlements, the Minister called residents to return to as government is fully committed to safeguard their lives and properties.

He warned the residents against acting as informants to bandits, which he described as same crime and aiding banditry to continue stressing that all informants caught would be dealt with accordingly.

In his remark, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Gobir, reiterated state government’s commitment to support federal government efforts on ending all the security challenges that bedevilled the nation.

Speaking during the visit, Chairman of Isa local government area, Alhaji Sharifu Kamarawa, commended the minister for the visit which would surely boost the morale of troops and restore hope to the communities.

Kamarawa said residents had faced enormous challenges, however, with present operation normalcy had been restored and urged the minister to redeploy more security operatives.

In Sabon Birni and Goronyo, the local government chairmen, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu and Alhaji Zubairu Yari, expressed appreciation to the minister’s visits and appealed for more supports to residents.

A cross-section of community members disclosed that bandits were earlier ruling vast areas, enforcing regulations and levies, however, due to the operations bandits camps had disappeared.

They appealed for more military presence in the areas.

Areas visited included Gidan Duro; Marnona; Gidan Sule; Tudun Bale; Mailalle; Tsamaye and Chori mayal among other communities.

President Tinubu on August 31, ordered Matawalle and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto state to rid the Northwest region of activities of bandits, kidnappers and terrorists.

The federal government said the relocation, is part of an intensified effort to rid the region of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

Source: NAN

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Abubakar made this known at the Rice Value Chain Validation workshop tagged “Strengthening the Rice Value Chain in Nigeria” on Thursday in Abuja.

Represented by Usman Bashir, Deputy Director, Rice Value Chain, Federal Department of Agriculture, he said rice value chain had been the focal point of the agricultural transformation  of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration through sustained investment and other development partners.

He said the ministry had developed and launched the National Rice Development Strategy, NRDS, 11 from 2021 to 2026 in collaboration with partners to serve as a framework for the development of the rice sub-sector in the country.

According to him, the NRDS was a private sector-driven initiative aimed at leveraging the linkages between the public and private sector to provide an impetus for the transformation of rice value chain through innovation and sustainable investment.

He said the measure was to achieve a competitive value chain capable of producing the rice commodity of high quality and affordable for Nigerian population and export.

Abubakar said the ministry had provided critical support to strengthen each segment of the commodity value chain through research and innovation by affiliated institutions.

According to him, the institutions had the mandate of the development of improved varieties and new farming technologies for rice crops among others.

Abubakar, however, said that in spite of the giant strides made by the country in the sub-sector, there were gaps that needed urgent attention by all stakeholders to achieve set objective of self-sufficiency.

“The gaps include lack of comprehensive data on all key indices and players in the sub-sector, provision of affordable mechanisation services for increased efficiency and productivity.

“Access to affordable and quality inputs such as fertiliser, seeds and pesticides, access to flexible financing among others.

“Tackling these challenges will require a concerted effort by all stakeholders in the rice value chain through constructive interaction,” he said.

The President, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, assured that the association would partner with financial sector to address all challenges bedeviling the industry.

Represented by Muhammad Alibaba, his Special Assistant, identified finance as key, adding that successes recorded in rice production were achieved through the CBN anchor borrower programme.

He, however, called for effective, sustained, and easily accessible financing in order to take advantage of all the challenges affecting business opportunities.

Source: NAN

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