“Nasarawa Speaker Applauds PEPC Ruling Confirming President Tinubu’s Victory”

By Milcah Tanimu

The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, has expressed his strong support for the recent decision by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) confirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legitimate election as Nigeria’s President.

Speaker Abdullahi extended warm congratulations to President Tinubu, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettimah, and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). He viewed the court’s verdict as a reflection of the mandate entrusted to Mr. President and the APC by the Nigerian people, urging all Nigerians to unite and support the President’s mission for success.

The Speaker also commended the judiciary for delivering landmark judgments that align with the desires and aspirations of Nigerians, emphasizing the judiciary’s role as the protector of the common man’s rights.

Furthermore, Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi praised the meticulous efforts of the APC’s legal team, who presented their cases comprehensively and effectively, ultimately securing victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

Shifting focus to the first one hundred days of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s second term in Nasarawa State, Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi noted that the foundation for peace, unity, progress, and transformation had already been laid. He highlighted the substantial development achieved during Governor Abdullahi Sule’s first term, including significant revenue growth and an attractive investment climate.

The Speaker emphasized that the initial one hundred days of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s second term had set in motion plans to build upon previous accomplishments. He called upon the citizens of Nasarawa State to continue offering their prayers and support to the Governor, ensuring the successful implementation of his positive development initiatives.

In conclusion, Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi reassured Governor Abdullahi Sule of the Seventh Assembly’s steadfast commitment to providing all necessary support for the realization of his transformative agenda.

Reasons Behind the Creation of the Committee on China-Nigeria Relations in the 10th Assembly, as Explained by Hon Jaafar

The House of Representatives committee on China-Nigeria relations was established with the primary objective of strengthening the friendship and cooperation between both nations, according to Chairman Hon Jaafar Yakubu. He elaborated on the committee’s purpose during an exclusive interview at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Hon Jaafar, who represents the Bali, Gassol federal constituency of Taraba State, disclosed that the leadership of the House, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, decided to create the committee due to the substantial interest China holds in Nigeria and to facilitate parliamentary and trade relations between the two countries.

He noted that unlike previous assemblies, the 10th assembly recognized the importance of the bilateral trade relationship with China and the significance of China’s interest in Nigeria, which prompted the establishment of this special committee.

“We will continue to leverage this platform to foster friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and China, particularly in the realm of conducting legitimate business and enhancing parliamentary and bilateral relations between the two nations,” Hon Jaafar explained.

The committee has engaged in discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, emphasizing that it provides a legitimate avenue for Chinese businesses to thrive and for the relationship between the two countries to flourish. Hon Jaafar highlighted the mining sector as an example, where there are both legal and illegal miners. He clarified that mining operations typically require the cooperation of local communities, and it is these communities that may be involved in illegal mining activities.

He emphasized the presence of numerous Chinese firms involved in legal and legitimate mining in Nigeria and announced the committee’s intention to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover illegal mining operations in the country.

Furthermore, Hon Jaafar stated that his committee would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to educate Chinese investors about the laws governing mining and business activities in Nigeria, thereby preventing any breaches of these regulations.

Regarding the significance of mining to Nigeria’s economy, the legislator highlighted that the country has the potential to earn around $3 billion annually from solid minerals. He underscored the positive impact of Chinese mining companies, pointing out that over 100,000 Nigerians are currently employed in this sector, which translates to 100,000 families lifted out of poverty.

The lawmaker expressed his committee’s aspirations to visit the Chinese parliament and invite their counterparts from China to Nigeria for discussions on governance and people-to-people cooperation.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Nigeria and China have enjoyed mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, foreign policy, education, and technology transfer.

Chinese Companies Exonerated from Involvement in Illegal Mining in Nigeria – Hon Jaafar

Hon Jaafar Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria relations, has emphasized that Chinese companies should not bear responsibility for illegal mining activities in Nigeria.

During an exclusive interview at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Hon Jaafar, representing the Bali, Gassol federal constituency of Taraba State, refuted claims circulating in some media outlets. He asserted that Chinese companies are in full compliance with Nigeria’s mining regulations, contributing significantly to the industry’s growth by providing essential capital, equipment, and technology.

The legislator highlighted that illegal mining operations often require the cooperation of local communities in host areas, who actively support and participate in such activities.

“Our investigations reveal a common misunderstanding of Nigeria’s mining industry. Generally, local Nigerians own mining operations, while the Chinese primarily bring vital equipment, technology, funds, and cooperate with local miners. The misconception arises from the presence of Chinese workers at mining sites,” he clarified.

“We have numerous Chinese companies engaging in legal and legitimate mining activities in Nigeria. My committee will undertake a thorough inquiry to uncover illegal mining activities in the country.”

Hon Jaafar further expressed his committee’s commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to educate Chinese investors about Nigeria’s mining and business laws, thereby preventing any inadvertent breaches.

“We will also promote awareness among local communities, fostering a more receptive and transparent environment for investors in the mining sector. These efforts will generate job opportunities, reduce poverty, and curb criminal activities,” he added.

Referring to estimates from the Senate Committee on Finance, Hon Jaafar noted that Nigeria could potentially earn approximately $3 billion annually from its solid mineral resources. He also highlighted that over 100,000 Nigerians are currently employed in the mining sector by Chinese companies.

“Supporting the employment of 100,000 Nigerians translates to lifting 100,000 families out of poverty, a significant achievement,” he concluded.

Resist antics of Coupists CSO Urges Youths

…tasks DSS, NSA on alertness

As concerns are being expressed on the wave of coups taking place in Africa, a foremost rights group Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) has urged Nigerian youths to resist any lure by persons bent on truncating democracy and peace in the country.

The group also urged the Department of State Security (DSS) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to beam their searchlights on the nation’s military to to rid off any temptation to derail democracy in the country.

Speaking on a Radio Nigeria breakfast programme in Abuja, the Convener of RUN, Amb. Solomon Adodo explained that there were many vistas of expressing grievances in a democracy, noting that crises and coups were not part of the options and such cannot be contemplated in Nigeria.

“If you look at what we have in some African States or Nations, you will find out that there are peculiarities there. We have had seat-tight rulers who have been there for decades against the wishes of their citizens.

“There is a disconnect between the leaders in the countries we are experiencing coups and the people but that is not the case in Nigeria where we have a President that relates with the people, feel their pulse, empathise with their pligh and explore avenues for resolving existing challenges. The military cannot intervene when there is a legitimate government that enjoys the support of the masses.

The position of the rights group is consistent with a similar call by the DSS alleging plots by some politicians and selfish groups to distabilise the country with violent protests under the guise of hardship and high cost of living.

According to the group, “what we are experiencing in Nigeria does not call for lawlessness. You have a government that is working round the clock to implement policies that will address the current challenges and give Nigerians a sustained future. The only thing we can do now is to support the government and not to distabilise it”

As the nation braces for the final judgement in the Presidential Election Tribunal, the group urged Nigerians especially youths to be patient and calm, adding that
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu won his election in a transparent manner and the judiciary will do the needful to affirm his victory so that he can continue with his youth oriented policies and programmes.

“Nigerian youths especially those in school and graduates alike have so much work to do towards self improvement so as to fit into the numerous youth oriented policies and incentives of the present administration rather than yielding to the antics of selfish politicians. President Tinubu is a legitimate leader who is determined to deliver people oriented policies and governance for the good of all Nigerians. Protests and coups should therefore not be contemplated”, he added.

The group finally called on Nigerians to express their legitimate concerns through the right channels including approaching their representatives in the National Assembly to table their concerns, adding that the 10th National Assembly under the leadership of Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is receptive to all Nigerians.

“In a democracy there must be grievances but there are also channels of communication. The National Assembly especially the Senate under Godswill Akpabio is the best place to table such grievances. There is no excuse whatsoever to resort to violence and even contemplate a coup, Nigerians must unite and support the present administration for a prosperous future”, he concluded.

NAGGW, Led by Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar, Joins Forces with CSOs to Realize Tinubu’s Vision of ‘Renewed Hope’

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), under the capable leadership of Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar, is making significant strides towards fulfilling its mission and delivering valuable services to the people of Nigeria.

The agency has embarked on a robust tree-planting campaign to transform arid lands in Nigeria. It has also excelled in areas such as transparency, human capital development, employment generation, and more. These accomplishments were highlighted by the Civil Society Organization Budget Implementation, Assessment, Evaluation, and Monitoring Committee during a recent press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the CSO Committee, Chairman Chief Ogakwu Dominic praised NAGGW as a valuable partner for the civil society community. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of bringing “renewed hope” to Nigerians and noted that their goal was to showcase the agency’s achievements to dispel any doubts among skeptics and the public.

Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, the Committee Adviser, explained that the CSO has diligently monitored the agency’s activities, including the Zonal Intervention Projects and constituency projects of the national assembly housed within NAGGW, all of which have yielded positive results.

Johnny stated, “Under this administration, which is still in its early days, civil society has embraced its role as a watchdog for society. We established this committee in collaboration with civil society practitioners, with the belief that our efforts will receive strong support from the government.”

The press conference aimed to present NAGGW’s scorecard to the public, shedding light on the agency’s operational methodologies. The CSO hopes that this will foster an honest and patriotic narrative among all stakeholders.

Johnny also touched upon recent statements from the national assembly regarding NAGGW. While expressing respect for the Legislative Arm’s oversight functions, he urged caution and decorum in handling such matters to prevent any misrepresentation that could tarnish the integrity of their partners in progress.

In conclusion, the NAGGW, led by Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar, has proven to be a reliable partner to the civil society community. Their commitment to delivering on their mandate aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of “Renewed Hope” for all Nigerians. The CSO’s ongoing monitoring efforts have showcased the agency’s achievements, which include transparent leadership, accountability, human capital development, capacity building, and job creation.

FG INSENSITIVE OF NEDC ACT, AS ASO VILLA CABALS HIJACK COMMISSION, GROUP ALLEGES

Contrary to the act that established the North East Development Commission, NEDC in 2017, major indications, has emerged as the reasons for the fragrant distortion of the extant laws, with the reapportionment of the Managing Director of the commission as well as the Board Chairman Mr. Paul Tafa.

Leader of the concerned North East Recovery front, Dr Garus Gololo who is also a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress APC, , while in an exclusive chart with The Sun newspaper in Abuja, stated that the Presidency, is currently taking the North East people for a ride since the primary objective for establishing the commission, has been defeated.

Dr Gololo, taunted President Tinubu, on the the rationale behind channeling all appointment meant for the North East to Kanuri indegens, stating that CABALS in the Aso Villa has made things worse by ensuring that Mr. President remains oblivious of the act that established the region.

Recall that the NEDC, was established in 2017 under Mohammadu Buhari, with the responsibility to “receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federal Account international donors for the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, among other social amenities in the war-ravaged North-East states.” The states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.

The former Army general, insisted that the quietness of North East indegens, also made things worse unlike it’s Niger Delta counterpart. ” Take a look at the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC act. Till today, it is duly respected. And just few days ago there was an outcry by the people and representative from Ondo and Cross River was changed because the people are watching. But in the North East it is not so.

” The issue here is that perhaps we need to remind the Presidency and indeed every Nigerian that the North East, is a combination of different states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe Borno, Taraba and Yobe. I can confidently tell you that my own state Bauchi, is involved in this matter. But what we have here presently, is that the MD, is from Borno State and he has been there since the establishment of this commission. And after he served out his 5 years tenure, had it renewed for another 5 years as against the act that established the commission. I red the act copiously and it said that the leadership shall be rotational like that of the Niger Delta. But as far as Iam concerned, the reason and idea for the rebuilding of the region after loss has been misplaced. I would like you to take a good tour of all the States that made up North East region. You would agree with me that the idea has changed from its original priority, which is to Develop and rehabilitate the people after the Boko Haram menace. There is no school no health care facilities, no road and portable water and people are not yet settled to go back to farms to help their families”.

Dr Gololo, further, questions reason for lack of scholarship schemes and over sea educational training for indegent people of the North East to fall inline with what is obtained from the Niger Delta Commission NDDC. ” Like I earlier said, among the six states, no reasonable infrastructure of any sort can be seen as a proof of World bank donations, UNDP or that of huge FG yearly budgetary allocations. The only visible thing about the NEDC are official vehicles which some times at Bauchi GRA packed at their office liaison but yet nothing is physically seen as an executed project in their name”

Meanwhile, Dr. Gololo, has threatened to head to court to press further the demand for equity the prudent management of funding of the North East Development Commission NEDC since it’s establishment, with the request of the National Assembly committee on the North East to do something possible to ensure that this quest for accountability is granted and justice served. And failure to achieve this , I will head to. Court and Iam also appealing to Me. President to withdraw this man in respect to the act that established the NEDC.

” If you read the act very well, the act says that the management shall hold out lic hearing to expose all the project they are about to execute and also to allow the people make impute to that project which they so desired of. The committee is also supposed to have oversight functions to determine areas that are not covered and like I said, Iam from Gololo Local government and during those days of insurgency, there are people from some communities that were displaced and till now they are not back to their original place and without relief materials. From my community we still have those from diffa chased to Niger Republic and it seems those ones are now forgotten there. And we ask, what efforts have they made to bring those people back and rehabilitate them?. This is because it is their duty to do that. But I found out that all this is centered on individual representing the whole zone and should not be so”.

He said that a tour of all the six states, showed lack NEDC presence in terms of developmental project or social intervention. ” For instance, from Gombe to Bauchi, a bridge linking the two state caved in and till this moment, no one cared to rehabilitate it. And where are the North East Development Commission NEDC people to fix it for us and making a journey to and from the states is hell as I talk to you. Even Borno the headquarters of NEDC is an eyesore and inside Borno State, I traveled up to Gamboru GANA to bani to damasa they have done nothing. In Yobe state, I was in gaidam, in Kanama, I was in Tulotulo also in Macina so I have no record of any achievement. You see I don’t talk of Bauchi because it seems they are not remembered as part of NEDC. If Nigeria know, we are in rainy season and they supposed to share relief materials to those whose houses and farms were submerged. We have a place in Yobe called guru and part of alkaleri and duguri in Bauchi State suffered climate change flooding. We ask where are the relief materials to assist those people”.

Commenting on the inability of the North East governors unanimously to demand for the effective implementation of the budgets for NEDC, he said that his effort, remains personal as a bonafide citizen of Nigeria and indegen of North East from Bauchi State, who is. It happy with the way things are happening.

” I care not about the efforts of the Governor’s from the North East, or whatever they do about their misgivings. What Iam saying is that I have every legal right to challenge anyone who misuses the NEDC funding because the zone, is for all of us not for anyone alone. So my question, is for them to give account of all the funding amounting to 3 Trillion since establishment by law in 2017 till date. We need the financial record published or we need a public presentation of the expenditure as it is done in the NDDC and during one those outings we saw someone collapse when the hit was too much. We want such to feature in NEDC. We need it published in the dailies so that proper investigation can made. It is also important for the Federal Government of Nigeria to set up an investigative committee to come up with a report of what this people are doing.”

Dr Gololo, also had drawn the attention of Mr. President to reexamine the reapportionment of Mr Alikali as it such goes against the act that established the North East Development Commission NEDC.

FCC: Kolo, Prepare to Confront the Legal Consequences of Your Actions

The attention of Workers Rights Protection Network (WORP) has been drawn to the latest issue emanating from the Reps Ad-hoc Committee Investigating alleged job racketeering of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Mismanagement of IPPIS, chaired by the Hon. Yusuf Gagdi and the utterances emanating from, the former Desk Officer and Protocol Officer of the IPPIS, running from pillar to post, seeking succor and begging for forgiveness from Dr Muheebat Dankaka.

The reason is, this is the same Chairperson he alleged that she had given funds to him running into millions of naira. This is also the same person he maligned and rubbished her reputation with his co-traducers and co-travellers.

According to the Network’s findings, since the unfortunate attendance of Kolo at the Ad-hoc Committee’s sitting, where he cast aspersions on the personality of Dr Dankaka, Kolo has absconded from all other meetings, especially as the two-star witnesses of the Ad-hoc Committee, Abdullahi Isah and Ali Muhammad Yero pointedly inform the committee during the interrogations that they singlehandedly gave funds to Haruna Kolo and do not know and have not met or dealt with Dr Dankaka and also denied all the alleged infractions heaped on Dr Dankaka by Kolo.
Kolo had attended the meeting that fateful day, making unsubstantiated allegations and subsequent sittings further revealed by the victims of the job scam perpetrated by Kolo exonerated Dr Dankaka, and since then, Kolo has been on the run from the authorities and security agencies.

After shunning several invitations by the Committee to appear before it, the Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi issued a bench warrant for his arrest due to our investigations and clarion call that Mr Kolo would jump bail and was used by fifth columnists particularly on that day of attending the first hearing he was accosted by three Federal Commissioners from the Federal Character Commission who were top accusers of the Chairperson and major sponsors of all the allegations against Dr. Dankaka.

Consequently, Haruna Kolo, the former Chief of Protocol and Desk Officer of the IPPIS Scheme at the Federal Character Commission, according to our investigations, who has been declared wanted by the orders of the House of Representatives probing the alleged job racketeering, is on the street running from pillar to post, asking for forgiveness from Nigerians that he was been used and dumped by the initiators and hatchet jobbers, and wanted Dr Dankaka to please, forgive him as the supposedly Commissioners have abandoned him in the lurch and trenches to sulk.

In a Press Release signed by the National Coordinator of WORP, Comrade Adio Wahab Salami, emphatically stated that these three Federal Commissioners have been on the jugular of the Chairperson, Dr Muheebat Dankaka, as they were all charged up to take up her job at the Commission and, as such, had to gang up and robe this innocent woman executive who was not aware of the nefarious plans and clandestine plot right from the onset and who are very keen to stop at nothing, to malign her office.

“We vehemently and steadfastly ask that these said people if found wanting must also be made to face the wrath of the law and severe punishment must be meted out to them to serve as deterrence to other officers and to stall such unethical acts unbecoming of any senior officials,” the Network stated.

As far as they are concerned, there is no iota of truth in whatever testimony Kolo gave at the Committee’s sitting. “For if it were not so, he would not now have been on the streets, where he now reveals that the people who instigated him to point accusing fingers on the Chairperson. An action he says he utterly regrets now,” said the Network.

It is on record and according to our further investigations, Kolo is actually on the run from security operatives, from one state to the other, visiting close friends, family and associates of Dr Dankaka, the Chairperson of FCC, seeking and begging for her forgiveness that he was being used to witch-hunt her and disgrace her from her exalted position in a bid to take over her seat.

“We have it also on good record,” the Network revealed, “that Kolo was at the Palace of His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe and other important and highly placed family members, course mates, alumni colleagues at different parts of the country, appealing to them to please intercede on his behalf, that he had been used and dumped.”

He was also sighted at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the Alta Mater and ivory tower of Dr Dankaka, seeking the faces and mercies of the Chairperson’s former lecturers who were close to her, when she was a student, to speak to her and also very senior academic and non-academic staff who she respects, to beg them, to appeal to Dr Dankaka as he was a victim of hatchet jobbers and disgruntled people who are power drunk and eager to discredit the Chairperson and used him as a willing tool in order to achieve their self-serving agenda gone awry.

In view of the foregoing, WORP wonders “Why the agencies have not been able to arrest Kolo, knowing full well that a valid bench warrant has been issued against him.” This, as they rightly reasoned, is to make him face the wrath of the law, instead of going cap-in-hand to beg and seek for forgiveness from Dr Dankaka: “He should allow the Ad-hoc Committee to do their job and complete their investigations, instead of pre-empting theirs and going ahead to plead for mercy.

We authoritatively warn that Dr Dankaka will not forgive him, because she has been traumatized, vilified, and psychologically tortured by the media trials, name calling by Kolo and pointing of accusing fingers on the Chairperson’s image and reputation, which have almost made her a laughing stock in the country for standing up for her right and truth.”
Now, the question remains, “Who is going to pay for all the damages done her and the defamation by Kolo?” The Network, therefore, calls on all Nigerians should jettison Kolo and not listen to him, but he should make himself available to the authorities to face the wrath of the law. “He should be arrested to answer for his sins, for trying to damage the reputation of the Chairperson who was only exonerated by God Almighty.”

If this same Kolo is begging, what is he begging for, after all the humiliation caused Dr Dankaka, her family, associates and colleagues?

WORP can categorically state that “Haruna Kolo is going from pillar to post, criss-crossing from state to state without been arrested by security agencies, bringing to bear and question the security of life and property of Dr Dankaka who, by now, should be heavily protected to avoid any unforeseen attack on her person and family, pending investigations.”

“It is clear that Haruna Kolo has confessed to a lot of people, friends, former colleagues, and family, seeking their help to beg Dr Dankaka that he was being used to make the unsubstantiated claims against her; they have turned around to abandon him, after using him, he is now been left on his own. But he MUST answer for his sins,” WORP stated.

“Our further investigations and in previous press release, we made mention that, indeed, Kolo was seen in company of the three Commissioners before his first appearance at the hearing, which confirms his confession that he was used by some in the FCC and now dumped,” WORP said.

“We have stated for the umpteenth time that we will not accept any apology from Kolo publicly or in private to Dr Dankaka as friends and relatives are advising to do so. Even if he apologizes to Dr Dankaka and Nigerians, we still ask that he be arrested to face the wrath of the law, ignorance is not an excuse.

“We have it on good authority that, even his friends, family and relatives are looking for him also and wondering why he would allow himself to be used to try to destroy a notable and innocent Chief Executive Officer. Wherever he is, he should be fished out by the security operatives and tell Nigerians the truth, who sent him, so as to arrest the people, because Nigerians will not forgive him for the emotional distress and trauma, reputational damage and defamation to Dr. Dankaka,” WORP asserted

FG set to optimize FAAN’s revenue generating capacity

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb.(UK) has expressed Federal Government’s desire to optimize the generating capacity of FAAN.


Speaking during the facility visit of the Lagos Airport, Keyamo said 60% revenue of FAAN comes from Lagos and as such the new terminal should be used optimally. He said the new terminal has 60 check-in point and can accommodate much traffic.

According to a statement on Friday by Head Press and Public Affairs, Odutayo Oluseyi the Minister said the old terminal should undergo complete overhaul, noting that the central cooling system is not working, and a lot of dilapidation needs to be fixed.

He further directed that all airlines in the old terminal should move their check in counters to the new terminal within 3 months.

On concessioning of the airports and Nigeria air project, the Minister said all will be put on hold (suspended) until he briefs Mr. President on his findings. He stated that in as much as he is willing to protect the local airlines, he expects them to be more efficient and effective, noting that issues of flight cancellation and delays will be looked into and laws enforced where necessary. He further directed the removal of unserviceable aircraft by the owners for expansion of Apron.

To give space for the expansion of the new terminal to accommodate bigger aircraft, Keyamo said he will discuss with owners of private hangers within the space for possible relocation of their hangers.

Vested Interests Behind Media Campaigns against NCMDB Management, CSO Raises Alarm

Save Nigeria Movement (SNM), has said some persons interested in the leading the Nigerian Content Monitoring Development Board (NCMDB) were behind media attacks on the Executive Secretary, Engr. Kesiyi Simbi Wabote explaining that the publication by one Joshua Abah, an imposter using the hard earned reputation of its organisation to dupe and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians was part of the plot.

In a strongly worded press statement signed by Rev Solomon Semaka, Convener of SNM, the group insisted that Joshua Abah is not even remotely affiliated with the organisation and wondered what he wanted to achieve by dragging an innocent man’s name in the mud using a structure that’s well known for constructive engagements.

Part of the statement reads, “let it be clear that we do not know Joshua Abah, he is not affiliated with us and we did not authorise any publication or a planned protest against Engr. Simbi Wabote. Due diligence carried out after our attention was drawn to the empty allegations purportedly made Ude revealed that Wabote is innocent and just a victim of continued vendatta and cheap blackmail which must be disregarded by all well meaning Nigerians”

The CSO sent a stern warning to persons interested in Engr. Wabote’s office and are scheming to push him off to look elsewhere and stop the distraction and blackmail, adding that nothing will stop the workaholic gentleman and patriot from finishing his tenure and even getting reappointed because of his visionary leadership posturing.

“Credible intelligence at our disposal indicates that, some person’s with vested interests have budgeted millions of naira to tarnish the good image and works of the NCMDB boss by leveraging on the reputation of credible CSOs and media houses. It is unpatriotic to use criminal elements to discredit honest leaders who are toiling day and night to serve the people. We condemn this Machiavellian tactic and we will never support those who think they can rise by pulling others down”, the statement added.

The CSO similarly urged Nigerians to disregard any and all statements emanating from Save Nigeria Movement which are signed by the notorious Joshua Abah, alleging that he has been impersonating different organisations and cashing out on their brands reputation but that very soon, the law will catch up with him.

According to the statement, “the public must disregard comments and utterances by Joshua Abah. He is a well known imposter and criminal who’s on the run from security agencies but we shall not rest until he is arrested and prosecuted for all the falsehood and pain he has caused unsuspecting Nigerians. Already, security agencies are on his trail and his criminal enterprise will soon be closed down while he rots in jail”

Rev. Solomon Semaka, through the press release disclosed that the Executive Secretary of NCMDB has been absolved of all the baseless allegations leveled against him both from competent courts within and outside the country and should not be dragged into needless squabbles that will impinge on the development agenda he is presently pursuing.

“We have great confidence in the current management of NCMDB. The legal victories won by Engr. Simbi Wabote against blackmailers at various courts is a clear statement that the gentleman is focused and dedicated to developing local content and growing the Nigerian economy. What he needs now is our moral support and not distractions. We therefore pass a vote of confidence on his administration and urge Nigerians to give him their maximum support”.

Build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into an exemplary project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation

By He Yin, People’s Daily

China will work with Pakistan to aim for high-standard, sustainable and livelihood-enhancing outcomes and further build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into an exemplary project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a congratulatory message to the Decade of CPEC celebration event.

He gives full recognition to the positive achievements and important significance of the CPEC, offering guidance for the economic corridor’s development and China-Pakistan practical cooperation.

The CPEC is a major and pilot project of the Belt and Road cooperation. It is deemed pivotal by the leaders of both countries.

When paying a state visit to Pakistan in April 2015, Xi said it’s important to guide the two countries’ practical cooperation with the CPEC construction, form a “1+4” cooperation structure with the CPEC at the center and achieve common development by focusing on the four key areas of the Gwadar Port, energy, transport infrastructure, and industrial cooperation, which charted the course for China and Pakistan to achieve common development with the economic corridor as an important focal point.

China and Pakistan have been advancing the CPEC construction under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, yielding a batch of early fruits that have injected new impetus into Pakistan’s economic and social development.

The Gwadar port, as the pearl of the CPEC, is now fully operational and steadily marching towards its goal of becoming a logistics hub and industrial base.

Energy cooperation under the CPEC framework has made remarkable progress. Many clean energy projects like wind and hydro power have been completed and account for nearly one third of Pakistan’s total power supply.

The Karakoram Highway(KKH) Phase Two project, the Orange Line Metro Train project in Lahore and other transport infrastructure projects are operating smoothly, help building Pakistan’s transportation arteries and driving development in surrounding areas.

The first Phase of the Rashakai Special Economic Zone has been officially completed, marking another new breakthrough in China-Pakistan industrial cooperation.

Over the past decade, the CPEC has evolved from a grand blueprint into a concrete reality, bringing $25.4 billion in direct investment to and creating 236,000 jobs for Pakistan. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the CPEC has injected unprecedented dynamism into Pakistan’s economy.

The CPEC fully demonstrates the all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan, providing important support for building a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

The construction of the CPEC has entered a new stage of high-quality development from laying foundations and defining initial structures.

The two sides have continuously expanded the areas of cooperation, with new highlights created in agriculture, science and technology, information technology and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

They worked together to align the Green Silk Road with the Clean Green Pakistan, strengthening collaboration on green investment, green infrastructure and green agriculture.

China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation is flourishing, and livelihood projects between the two countries have enabled more and more Pakistanis to benefit from the dividends of the CPEC.

China and Pakistan are working to create an “upgraded version” of the CPEC – building a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor. This will surely lift the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to new heights.

The construction of the CPEC adhere to the Silk Road spirit, and has reaped fruitful win-win results. It is a successful example of Belt and Road cooperation and demonstrates that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents China’s commitment to sharing opportunities and seeking common development with the world. It has further strengthened the confidence of all relevant parties in Belt and Road construction.

The success of the BRI shows the inevitable trend toward cooperation and development, said Mushahid Hussain Sayed, the Chairman of the Pakistan Senate Defence Committee. He pointed out that acting on the principles of high-standard, people-centered and sustainable development, the BRI will bring more development opportunities to participating nations including Pakistan and inject stronger impetus into global recovery.

Recently, a landmark building in Islamabad was decked with the colors of the Chinese and Pakistani national flags to mark the 10th anniversary of the CPEC. This mirrored the firm support for the economic corridor from the Pakistani government and people.

China will continue its unremitting efforts to utilize the CPEC as an engine driving cooperation of higher standards, broader scope and greater depth, so as to bring more fruits of development to all Pakistani people.

China will also take the BRI’s 10th anniversary as an opportunity to join hands with all relevant parties to broaden the Belt and Road as a “path of happiness” benefiting the whole world.