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Commuters demand repair of collapsed Asaba-Onitsha Road

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Commuters demand repair of collapsed Asaba-Onitsha Road

Commuters have appealed to the relevant authorities to fix the deplorable Asaba-Onitsha Expressway to ease the burden on motorists and residents.

When According to Metro visited the collapsed section of the road, especially from the Koka flyover to the Asaba-Onitsha tollgate, on Thursday, our correspondent observed a complete failure of the road as motorists could hardly access it.

A taxi driver, Mr. Kingsley Uwa, lamented the deplorable state of the road, appealing to the federal and Delta State governments to come to the rescue of the road users by rehabilitating the road to stop the accidents that regularly occur along it.

He said, “It is bad that over four months now, we are suffering from this road without attention from the government.

“You can see the heavy traffic occasioned by the collapsed road. Everybody treks, or they must fall or hit another person because of the bad road. We are begging both the federal and state governments to help.”

Also, a shuttle bus driver, Mr. Charles Jibunor, called on the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to repair the failed portions of the road to ease the suffering of the indigenes.

He said, “The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, plays deaf to the road. We know that it is a federal road, but it passes through Delta State.

“Imagine the look of the Delta State capital, Asaba. Most of the people plying the road are majorly Deltans, and he doesn’t care about our suffering.

“A journey of 20 minutes will take you over two hours because of traffic. Every day, we are in one mechanic or the other, even the traders at the building material along the road are suffering because of no patronage as a result of the bad road.”

Meanwhile, a rights activist, Mr. Victor Ojei, has petitioned the Federal Government following the groaning of commuters occasioned by the collapsed expressway.

In an open letter addressed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Delta State, seen by According to Metro on Thursday, Ojei called for immediate action on the road.

Ojei, who is the lead activist for Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, frowned upon the negligence of FERMA in the state.

“The Young Nigerian Rights Organisation, a civil society organisation committed to advocating the rights and well-being of citizens, expresses our deep concern regarding the alarming state of federal roads in Delta State. It is with a sense of urgency that we call on the Minister of Works and FERMA Delta State to account for their critical responsibility to ensure safe and passable roads for Nigerians.

“Despite the funds allocated for road maintenance, many federal roads in Delta State remain in deplorable conditions, posing significant risks to the lives of motorists, commuters, and residents.

“Numerous reports and complaints from road users highlight the hazards posed by potholes, erosion, and the neglect of critical infrastructure. These issues not only compromise road safety but also impede economic activities and development.”

He noted that as an agency tasked with maintaining federal roads, FERMA was mandated to regularly inspect, repair, and rehabilitate roads to ensure they meet acceptable standards, noting that the current situation in Delta State showed a clear dereliction of duty, with the people bearing the brunt of this failure.

“Explain the delay in addressing these long-standing road issues, especially along the Asaba-Benin Expressway (Koka flyover By Conoil junction, the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway, Ezenei Avenue by Bonsaac junction, the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway) in Delta State,” the petition concluded.

Ojei said the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens must remain a top priority, urging FERMA to take swift and decisive action to fix the roads because “Failure to act will leave us with no option but to pursue further legal and public interest actions to ensure accountability.”

Bauchi gov accuses APC of causing PDP’s internal crisis

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Bauchi gov accuses APC of causing PDP’s internal crisis

The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the All Progressives Congress of igniting the lingering internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party.

Mohammed, who is the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, stated this while speaking with the journalists after a meeting with the members of the PDP Board of Trustees at the Government House, Bauchi, on Wednesday.

While particularly expressing deep worries over the bitter feud between the incumbent River’s State Governor Siminalaye Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike and the struggle for the control of PDP leadership in the state, Mohammed noted that the entire incident was orchestrated by the APC who created moles within the PDP-controlled state.

Bala explained further, “But I say, there is no challenge is insurmountable. It is surmountable by the grace of God.

“And you will notice that this is the creation of the other side. They want us to be in disarray. It is the creation of the APC that always wants to have moles within us.

“They want to have knowledge of what is going on, and you can see even the Wike that is working for APC is a PDP man that is performing very well.

“They don’t have people that will perform like our members. That is why they chose to pick him and give state structure to run.”

The governor stressed, “That, to us, it is a commendation. The press will see that at least irrespective of the situation, it is still a form of good recognition. It shows that the PDP has the quality human capital to deliver Nigeria.”

Commenting on the BoT  chairman’s visit, Mohammed said “As Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, we discussed with the major organs of the party, the NWC, the areas we have discussed and raised, and I believe one of the decisions that we took in Enugu, you were there and you can see that the governors were united on most of these major areas.

“I can not talk without the mandate of the governors. The governors are with you, and we will make sure that every aggrieved body, entity, or person is brought together. I think we can do better. I want you to understand that is why we are going around to all the other sections where there are problems and that is why we have you, but be rest assured that we, as governors, will try as much as possible to minimise rancour, division and give direction.

“In a democracy like ours, we can not dictate. The NWC is the party’s major administrative organ. We have to get it right. There should be justice and equity. We must respect our constitution and its provisions.”

Earlier, the chairman of PDP BoT, Adolphus Wabara, had commended Mohammed on his efforts to devise effective means of resolving the crisis, even as he expressed his readiness to support him in that direction.

Like the Bauchi governor, Wabara voiced deep concerns regarding the state of the party, particularly with respect to the internal issues within the National Working Committee, NWC and the ongoing crisis in Rivers State noting that, “The BoT is planning to engage both the contending parties in separate meetings with a view to resolving the lingering issue.

“We are engaging and contending with the party’s issues in separate meetings with a view to resolving the lingering issue,” the BoT chairman pointed out.

NSCDC orders vacation of distressed houses as building collapse kills Osun woman

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NSCDC orders vacation of distressed houses as building collapse kills Osun woman

The Osun State commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, has ordered all occupants of weak and distressed buildings in the state to vacate such structures before tragedy occurs.

This call was made in the wake of the death of a resident of Ifetedo in Osun State, identified as Idowu, after a building collapsed on her in the town on Tuesday.

The collapsed structure was said to be a dilapidated building which suddenly caved in and killed the woman.

A resident of Ifetedo, simply identified as Ogunyemi, told According to Metro on Thursday, that operatives of the NSCDC, responding to the distress call, rushed to the scene of the incident.

“Some NSCDC operatives rushed to the scene after they were informed of the incident. They were joined by some other people in the community.

“Idowu was the only person in the building when the incident happened. She was brought out dead from the rubble.

“The incident caused panic in the Omiloode Area, where the building was located. The building that collapsed was a dilapidated structure,” Ogunyemi said.

The Osun NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, when contacted by According to Metro on Thursday, confirmed the incident, adding that the scene had been immediately cordoned off by security men.

Adeleke also said the deceased had been buried, noting that the state commandant of NSCDC, Adaralewa, urged occupants of weak and dilapidated buildings to vacate such structures before tragedy occurred.

“An abandoned dilapidated building located along Omiloode Street, Ifetedo collapsed and killed one Mrs Idowu, who was said to be around the structure when the incident happened.

“The tragic incident occurred at about 17:30 hours on Tuesday.

“Officers and men of the NSCDC Ife South Division, upon getting information rushed to the scene of the incident for rescue operation. But unfortunately, the woman had passed on. She was brought out of the rubble dead. The site was immediately cordoned off. The woman has been buried.

“The Osun NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, is using this opportunity to call on occupants of weak and dilapidated buildings in the state to vacate such structures before tragedy occurs. The command will continue to work hard to ensure safety of lives and property of the residents.”

N’East PDP govs back Damagum as national chairman

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N’East PDP govs back Damagum as national chairman

Fresh crisis is brewing in the opposition People’s Democratic Party, as the North-East governors on the platform of the party have endorsed the acting national chairman Alhaji Umar Damangum to remain in office till the tenure of the ousted former national chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, expires.

In press statement issued on Thursday by Humwashi Wonosikou, the Press Secretary to  Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the governors expressed confidence in the leadership of Damangum and urged him to continue in office.

The statement read in parts, “The People’s Democratic Party in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states have endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s leadership as acting national chairman.

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the five states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership since assuming office.

“Citing a Federal High Court Abuja restraining order, Fintiri stated that Damagum should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court decides otherwise.”

The governors, through the state, commended Damagum for restoring public confidence in the party and urged members to respect the court’s ruling in the interest of the party and democracy.

  Fintiri, who described the performance of the party in the North-East region during the 2023 elections as unprecedented at all levels, noted that the zone deserves the position of National Chairman more than any section in the North.

Meanwhile, Arewa According reports that a Federal High Court in Abuja had barred the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, PDP, INEC, and affiliates from replacing, nominating or appointing any Chairman other than Ambassador Damagum, following a restraining order by the Court.

Gunmen kidnap Lagos cleric, demand N30m ransom

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Gunmen kidnap Lagos cleric, demand N30m ransom

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the Shepherd of Celestial Church of Christ, Nazareth Parish 1, Oluwatosin Alayo, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The incident was said to have occurred on Monday evening at the residence of the cleric in the Adamo area of the community.

Sources privy to the incident told According to Metro on Thursday that the incident occurred barely 24 hours after the church held its annual adult harvest.

A member of the church who craved anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident told According to Metro, “We called to congratulate him (the cleric) on the success of the church harvest on Monday evening but could not reach him on the phone. It was the following morning that another member of the church informed us that his home was attacked on Monday evening by some gunmen who took him away to an unknown destination. We are in serious panic and we have also intensified prayers for his safety and freedom.”

Another member of the church who identified himself simply as Taiwo, told our correspondent that the abductors had opened communication with the family of the victim, demanding a ransom of N30m.

“Details of the communication are still unclear, but we got to know that 24 hours after the incident, the kidnappers confirmed the Shepherd’s presence in their captivity and also demanded a ransom of N30m. That is all we know for now,” he added.

Meanwhile, the church has raised the alarm on its various social media platforms, while also calling for prayers.

“A CCC Shephard has been kidnapped and now they’re demanding N30m as ransom. Your prayer is highly needed,” one of the posts read.

“Kidnapping notice: Snr. Evang. Adeyemi Oluwatosin Alayo, Shepherd in charge of CCC Nazareth Parish, Adamo Agunfoye, was kidnapped on Monday, a day after his 21st Adult harvest. Kidnappers are demanding N30m. Please, let’s remember him and his parish in prayers,” another post read.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident. He however denied knowledge of the ransom demanded.

“I can confirm that he was kidnapped. I cannot confirm the ransom demand.”

Man arrested for tying lover in Abuja hotel

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Man arrested for tying lover in Abuja hotel

A yet-to-be-identified man has been arrested for tying the hands and legs of his lover in a hotel in the Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The man was accused of attempting to use her for ritual purposes before luck ran out of him.

A video of the incident, seen by our correspondent on Thursday, showed people ordering the man to untie her.

Reacting to the incident, the FCT Police Command said it was aware of the video.

The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, in a statement, said the man in the video is a suspected internet fraudster.

She noted that the command’s investigation revealed that operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps had arrested the suspect but had yet to hand him over to the police.

Adeh said, “The FCT Police Command is aware of the video footage making the rounds about a lady who was criminally confined at Top View Hotel, Wuse, Abuja, on 17th September 2024, by an alleged internet fraudster, allegedly for a money ritual.

“Findings revealed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has taken the suspect into custody and is yet to hand him over to the police for a diligent investigation.

“The FCT Police Command awaits the NSCDC to hand over all parties for the commencement of a diligent and discreet investigation.”

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Anxiety in LP as INEC delays caretaker panel’s recognition

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Anxiety in LP as INEC delays caretaker panel’s recognition

There is growing concern in the camp of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party Caretaker Committee over the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant recognition to the panel two weeks after its emergence.

The 29-member committee inaugurated at a meeting of stakeholders spearheaded by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party’s national leader, Peter Obi, has been tasked with the mandate to conduct elections for new executives at all levels.

However, since its inauguration on September 4, the long wait for INEC to confer legitimacy on the committee is reportedly stalling its progress.

A member of the committee, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the issue, expressed concerns that INEC has failed to officially act on their request since the letter was submitted on September 6.

According to the source, the delay has become a source of worry after INEC urged them to wait for the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the party leadership, which is currently before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

This legitimacy hurdle comes barely a week after The According reported that Julius Abure, the embattled Labour Party National Chairman, had dragged INEC to court to stop the commission from officially recognising the Usman-led leadership.

The source admitted that nobody expected to still be facing this bottleneck two weeks after the committee came on board.

“The original plan was to persuade Abure or some members of his National Working Committee to attend the Umuahia meeting so that INEC could give the meeting some form of legitimacy. Unfortunately, none of them turned up at the gathering. Their absence somehow defeated the purpose, leaving INEC to say that its hands were tied.

“Another challenge we encountered was that the first letter we wrote for recognition on September 6 was rejected because, unlike Otti, someone else signed the letter on behalf of Obi. That made the INEC officials insist they couldn’t work with a proxy endorsement,” the source explained.

However, the committee has sought an injunction from a state High Court in Aba, Abia State, to restrain the Abure-led executives from parading themselves as party officers.

In anticipation of the injunction, Usman and some party chieftains converged on Abuja on Tuesday to officially kick off the inaugural meeting of the caretaker committee.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Labour Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Otti’s Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu.

Efforts to reach Usman and the caretaker committee secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, were unsuccessful. As of the time of filing this report, they neither answered calls nor replied to messages seeking clarification.

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, insisted that the opposition party did not recognise the committee.

Ifoh also called on party faithful not to give any recognition to Usman and her team, whom he described as “destabilising agents out to wreak havoc on the party.”

He said, “Our party is intact, and we will not allow visitors to chase us out of the house we laboured to build. Some of them are barely one year old in the party, and they are already positioning themselves and their allies to take over.

“The Labour Party is run by a constitution, and anything unconstitutional will not be accepted.”

Edo voters don’t need Wike’s guidance for election choice — Obaseki

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Edo voters don’t need Wike’s guidance for election choice — Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said that the electorate does not require the influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to select the appropriate candidate in Saturday’s governorship election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Obaseki asserted that Edo people are wise enough to decide whom to vote for and should not be influenced by anyone.

According Online reports that Wike recently stated he would not support the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the forthcoming poll, having fallen out with Obaseki.

Wike was one of the PDP leaders who worked for Obaseki’s victory against the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in the 2020 election.

However, according to Obaseki, his fallout with Wike and some of his political associates will not hinder the chances of the PDP and Ighodalo in Saturday’s governorship election.

Obaseki said, “He (Wike) came to get Edo people to vote for me, right? Wow! Edo people are not that dumb. They know who to vote for.”

“They don’t require the services of an outsider to make their decisions. Edo people will make decisions this time because they know what they want.

“Some politicians are not happy with me because I have used money from the government’s revenues to solve the needs of the people.”

Furthermore, the governor clarified that the Edo governorship poll would be a do-or-die affair, stating that the Edo people would be doomed if the APC took over the state.

The governor expressed no regret for making the statement due to the impunity displayed by the APC ahead of the election.

“It’s a do-or-die affair because if they do, we die. The level of impunity, the level of recklessness we see in the opposition party, if they take over Edo State, it is the end,” Obaseki said.

APC endorses chairmanship candidate, councillors for Ogun LG election

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APC endorses chairmanship candidate, councillors for Ogun LG election

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, Ogun State, has endorsed Theophilus Olorode as the party’s Chairmanship candidate for the upcoming local government elections on 16 November.

The endorsement, announced following a meeting of APC leaders and stakeholders in the local government, also confirmed the selection of 10 Councillorship candidates across various wards.

Speaking at the event held at the APC Secretariat in Imeko on Thursday evening, the APC Chairman, Segun Olaotan, accompanied by other party leaders, highlighted Olorode’s “capacity, honesty, integrity, and credibility” as key factors behind the party’s decision to support him for the Chairmanship role.

He said, “The leadership of the APC in Imeko has today reached a consensus in favour of Hon. Olorode as our party’s Chairmanship candidate in the forthcoming local government election.”

“We have unanimously endorsed Olorode because he is a man of the people. He has consistently demonstrated that he has the best interests of the people of Imeko-Afon at heart. He is a true community man.

“We are confident that with him as Chairman, the people of this local government will experience progressive and transformative governance once again,” the party chairman added.

Other notable leaders present at the meeting included former APC Chairman, Imeko-Afon, Alhaji Gausu Bello, Alhaji Olusoji Taiwo, Ward Chairmen, and other party leaders.

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Lagos arrests 25 miscreants, seizes hard drugs

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Lagos arrests 25 miscreants, seizes hard drugs

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps carried out an early morning raid in Lekki today, leading to the arrest of 25 miscreants in a bid to strengthen law and order.

This was revealed in a statement by the Commissioner for Water and Environmental Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on X.com on Thursday.

According to Wahab, during the raid, substances suspected to be hard drugs were found on the miscreants, who have since been detained.

The statement read: “During the early morning raid in the Lekki-Ajah axis, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) #LAGESCOfficial arrested 25 miscreants in Lekki.

“Substances suspected to be hard drugs were also found on them. They have been detained, and appropriate legal action will be taken.”

Click the link below to watch video:

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