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‘You Lied’ – Group Carpets Delta Govt Over Claim On Ayakoromo Bridge

Published

9 months ago

January 22, 2025

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has faulted claims by Delta State commissioner for works, Charles Aniagwu about Ayakoromo bridge in Burutu Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner, during an interview on national television, Friday, had described the bridge project as an already completed job by the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led-administration.

The works commissioner also claimed that the Ayakoromo bridge is a 612km but in reality it is 4km.

In a statement made available to INFO DAILY, president of the IPDI, Comrade Austin Ozobo said that the project has been stalled, with no significant work done recently.

Ozobo, who noted that the contracting firm, Setraco Nigeria Limited had pulled its equipment out of site due to poor funding, stressed that this contradicts the commissioner’s earlier claims that the project was at the stage of completion.

He described it as embarrassing to the governor and the government, the works commissioner’s 612km claim about the length of the bridge, noting that he is not well informed even as works commissioner.

According to the group, the governor has taken Ijaw people for granted for failing to prioritise the development of Ijaw oil producing and riverine communities,
citing that the successive governors of Delta State from Uduaghan till date were only interested in Ijaw bulk votes during elections.

The IPDI alleged that the governor had not paid properties and houses demolished in the project site up till now, alleging that it had been over six months when the contracting firm pulled out its equipment and staff from the site.

The group lamented that the affected residents whose houses were demolished in the project site have been rendered homeless and are facing serious hardship.

The statement reads, “The company left with all its equipment. Ayakoromo bridge is not close to completion after twelve years of being initiated. The Delta State Works commissioner misrepresented facts in his interview.

“No pile cap and top beams have been constructed. Engineers of the first Firm (Zerock) and the second construction company (Setraco) only succeeded in using twelve years to complete pillars across the river. There is no work ongoing on the site as we speak now”.

According to the IPDI, Ayakoromo bridge project is a critical infrastructural project aimed at connecting riverine communities in the state.

“Its completion is eagerly anticipated by residents, who hope it will improve their access to basic services and economic opportunities,” the statement added.

The group further raised issues of bias in the project allocation, funding and appointment in Oborevwori’s administration, citing that the three flyover bridges he sited in his Uvwie local government area are closed to completion because he is given the jobs total funding which commenced less than a year.

“We expect the governor and its commissioner for works to stop deceiving the general public and provide proper funding for the Ayakoromo bridge project, like the way the governor is committed to funding of the three bridges and other road projects in his two communities, Okpe and Uvwie and his local government area”, they added.

Related Topics:#IPDI #State Government Delta

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Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

5 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

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JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

6 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

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UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

6 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.