Nigeria Times – Page 486

Soldiers rescue passengers as NRC confirms terror attack on Abuja-Kaduna train

One of the passengers on the ill fated Abuja-Kaduna train which was attacked Monday evening by terrorists has confirmed the prompt response of the Nigerian Army to rescue them.

In a Facebook post after the attack, Anas Iro Danmusa said “Alhmamudililah, the army are with us, we are safe”.

Confirming the Incident, the Managing Director of Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) Fidet Okhiria told journalists that “we can not give you much information now.

“Must of the passengers have gone into hiding and they can not be giving information, but there are reports of gun shots as the train stopped”.

Daily Nigerian had reported the Monday night attack saying the attack occurred at a point between Katari and Rijana.

One of the passengers who confirmed the incident in a telephone call said the attackers had surrounded the train, shooting sporadically.

“All the passengers are currently lying on the floor of the train. The bandits are shooting sporadically. We are in serious danger,” said one of the panic-stricken passengers.

The report said there are at least 970 passengers onboard the train, according to official sources familiar with the train service.

2023: Group canvasses for Tinubu as APC consensus presidential candidate

The Middle Belt Youth Emancipation Vanguard has called on stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress from the zone to adopt party national leader, Bola Tinubu, as its consensus presidential candidate.

The group said it settled for the former Lagos State Governor after a careful assessment of the aspirants, concluding that Tinubu is needed at this critical point in the nation’s existence.

The Middle Belt group made this known at a press conference on Monday in Abuja.

In his address, the convener, Patriot Dauda Yakubu, said Tinubu is perfect for the job having displayed consistency, capacity and sagacity over the years.

Describing Tinubu as a bridge-builder, talent hunter and icon of democracy, Yakubu said the APC national leader has contributed immensely to the democratic ideals in the country right from the era of military rule.

He also said that the ex-governor is a detribalised Nigerian that knows no religion or ethnicity and believes in the country’s unity, peace and progress.

With Tinubu at the helms of affairs, the group added that Nigeria would be guaranteed socio-economic growth and development that would in “no small measures aid the translation of our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities”.

The Middle Belt youths, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to show solidarity with Tinubu.

Yakubu noted that the former governor “ presents a credible credential laced with experience, commitment, patriotism, and an unalloyed sincerity of heart and purpose, which would come in handy in setting Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and development”.

Read full statement below:

The leadership of the Middle Belt Youth Emancipation Vanguard welcomes you all to this press conference organized to advance the position of the Middle Belt region with regards to the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the country is once again on the curve where the country’s leadership would be elected through the ballot across the country. As concerned stakeholders in the scheme of things in the country, it is our emphasis now and always that as a people and a nation, we must get the leadership question right if we are desirous of sustainable growth and development.

The Middle Belt Youth Emancipation Vanguard, after a careful assessment of the various aspirants that have indicated an interest in the highest political office in the country, we wish to state in unequivocal terms that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu indeed is what the country needs in this critical point of our existence.

We have also carefully studied his numerous contributions to democratic ideals in the country right from the era of military rule in Nigeria and indeed found it worthy as that presidential material with the proper focus, capacity, and sagacity to lead this country come 2023.

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not new to us as his trademarks are replete in various sectors of our national life and paramount in the sustenance of our nascent democracy. He is a bridge-builder and a talent hunter, as evident during his tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

It is sufficient to mention that Lagos state experienced phenomenal growth and development under his astute leadership. It is also on record that he also identified and brought into reckoning some individuals who went ahead to become resourceful in their contributions to the country’s socio-economic development at large.

The Middle Belt region owes Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu a great deal of gratitude. It is on record that he was instrumental to many gains recorded in the region through his network of friends of like minds that consequently embraced his progressive leadership style of governance.

Our firm conviction that the history of progressive leadership in Nigeria would be incomplete without the mention of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His emphasis on putting the people first is indeed noteworthy and a necessity moving forward in the country’s leadership.

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a detribalized Nigeria that knows no religion or ethnicity; for him, it is neither east, west, south, nor north, but One Nigeria. And this much has resonated in the leadership template that has seen him building bridges across the country.

The Middle Belt Youth Emancipation Vanguard wishes to emphasize that as the country prepares for the 2023 general elections, the presidential aspiration of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the right tonic needed to consolidate on our democratic journey towards the country of our dreams. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the icon of our democracy. As such, he fits the bill to govern this country come 2023.

As a result of this, we endorse Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the consensus presidential choice of the middle belt region come 2023. This endorsement is hinged on his impeccable track record and his unalloyed commitment towards sustainable growth and development in the country.

We are convinced that a Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency in Nigeria would guarantee socio-economic growth and development that would result in no small measures aid the translation of our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities.

We are using this medium to call on all well-meaning Nigerians to toe the line of the path of the Middle Belt Youth Emancipation Vanguard in endorsing Senator Ahmed Bola Ahmed Tinubu as presidential candidate come 2023.

We consider that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu indeed presents a credible credential laced with experience, commitment, patriotism, and an unalloyed sincerity of heart and purpose, which would come in handy in setting Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and development.
As members of the Middle Belt Youth Emancipation Vanguard, we believe that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has all it takes to lead Nigeria, hence our unflinching support. We pledge to deploy all our members in the Middle Belt region in a sensitization drive towards the actualization of an aspiration for the common good of all Nigerians from all walks of life.

Nigerians must come alive to this unique opportunity presented through Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential aspiration. We must come to the reality that the issues at hand require that we get it right in leadership come 2023.

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the man for the job. As such, it behoves us all to lend our support to a man that is committed and passionate about the development of our great country.

We thank you all for your time and attention.

God bless Nigeria

How media exaggerated worth of demolished Lagos office – AIB-N

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB-N), Sunday, stated that the published value of N5 billion being peddled in the media as the purported worth of the demolished Lagos office buildings belonging to AIB-N, was highly exaggerated.

The General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB-N, Tunji Oketunbi in a statement, explained that a widely published media report in respect of the demolition albeit misleading, media report in respect of the demolition of Lagos office buildings purportedly worth five billion naira, belonging to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB-N), an agency of the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

In his words, “It is noteworthy to state that the published value of five billion naira being peddled in the media is highly exaggerated.

“The relocation of the Bureau from Lagos to Abuja was not precipitous, as claimed by media reports. Without a doubt, AIB-N erstwhile Lagos office (former Corporate Headquarters) has since the ministerial relocation directive, served mostly as a regional administrative liaison office.

“All its core operational functions/facilities in the discharge of its statutory mandate were positioned in Abuja; except for the command-and-control centre which just recently repositioned safely to Abuja.

“The AIB-N’s Lagos office was inevitably earmarked for demolition due to its location which directly impacts some critical features necessary for the seamless operations of the just commissioned newly constructed terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos state.

“It is not lost on us that ALL LAND at the airport belongs to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN): and can be retrieved at any time for an overriding public interest, as in the present circumstances.

“AIB-N was allotted land space at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja to build its training school, which is 90% completed, and its proposed new Corporate Headquarters. Meanwhile, talks are on-going with FAAN to have a suitable location in Lagos as its regional office.

“This temporary reshuffling will not in any way affect our operations. AIB-N has invested so much in equipment and technology that will aid delivery of its mandate seamlessly.”

Help identify pipelines hampering Bonny seaport, Amaechi tells Navy

The Federal Government has enlisted the support of the Nigerian Navy to identify pipelines that may hamper the building of the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.

The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who made this known when the Nigerian Navy led by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, paid him a courtesy call today in Abuja, said a place has already been chosen to build the seaport.

“There’s a place we have chosen to build the seaport, we want to make sure there are no pipes in that location and enroute that location by vessels”. We will be glad if they can work with us to identify where the pipes are in Bonny, so that we know where they are”, the Minister said.

The Minister also said the Ministry is prepared to work with the Nigerian Navy to achieve maritime security in the country and will be glad to assist if it is within the authority he presides over.

“If it’s something within my authority as the Minister, we proceed and approve. If it’s above the Minister, I will approach the President, so we can get the same approval”, he said.

Speaking further, Ameachi lauded the Nigerian Military for their selfless service, culminating in the safety of the citizenry and protection of the territorial integrity of the nation.

“I have very high regard for the Nigerian military, just because is a national service you are providing, it entails their lives; the sacrifice they make is what guides my relationship with the military and because of that I don’t disrespect any relationship”, the Minister said.

Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, reiterated the need for on the ground presence of an effective team of the Nigerian Navy at all seaports across the nation.

“Credible intelligence has it that since we left the ports about 1996, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons into our country is scary. But again, at every importation of fertilizer making materials or explosives for mining sites, the Navy had to be invited”, the Vice Admiral said.

Also Gambo said; “If NPA invites us at every opportunity to come and inspect these consignments and also ensure that they get to the destinations they are meant for and they are not diverted, then why not have us at the ports so that when the containers come in, they are not broached in the ports and subsequently after the inspection, we make sure they get to the right destination. But it has not gained the necessary traction but I have written again to see that there is need for that especially with the establishment of the Office of the National Coordinator on Small Arms and Light Weapons by the Office of the National Security Adviser”.

He equally appreciated the long standing support of the Minister, saying the launch of the Deep Blue project last year by President Muhammadu Buhari has impacted on the Navy’s ability to improve maritime security operations in Nigeria’s territorial waters.

The chief of Naval Staff invited the Minister to visit the Naval Headquarters, Abuja and see the Nigerian Navy’s Falcon Eye System; a maritime surveillance facility that incorporates various sensors located along the nation’s enormous coastline, enabling it respond promptly to danger signals.

Present at the courtesy call were: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Sen. Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako, representing Adamawa Central District and other top echelon of the Nigerian Navy.

ASUU: Patriots or Saboteurs

By Abike Adebayo

It is increasingly worrisome the ease with which the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarks on strike actions at the slightest chance. Of greater concern is the Union’s nonchalant attitude to the plight of Nigerian students and the impact of incessant industrial action on them, the Education sector and the Nation at large. Facts have emerged that just like Public Service medical doctors who operate private clinics and consultancy services, university lecturers now establish private institutions as side businesses. This could only be the logical explanation for the Union’s indifference to the pain of their actions on students, particularly those who cannot afford the luxury of attending private institutions or foreign studies.

ASUU has become synonymous with strikes with no record of notable accomplishments in promoting the quality of higher education in Nigeria. The Union has made industrial action the easiest and cheapest form of blackmail against the government and without hesitation, deploys this ostensible weapon when it suits its members’ selfish interests. Established with an objective to promote the welfare of its members and the development of the nation’s education sector, the Union has metamorphosed into a bully. Its priority has majorly centered on wellbeing of lecturers. Nothing else matters to it. Predictably, agitations for upgrade in salaries, concerns over IPPIS, delay in payment of remunerations and earned allowances are more pronounced when the Union embarks on industrial actions.

The Union is never about Nigeria or Nigerians. It is never about the Nigerian students. With interrupted learning and academic calendars that negatively affect their performance, innocent learners continue to bear the brunt of the Union’s insensitivity. It conveniently goes on strike for prolonged periods to push for self-seeking motives with no sense of empathy. Incessant strike actions continue to be beneficial to ASUU members as long as it affords them ample time to run their private Universities and render extracurricular pecuniary services. And despite efforts by the federal government to negotiate and also meet some of their demands, the Union remains callous and wastes no time in exploiting industrial actions to their advantage.

A case in view is the ongoing industrial action which commenced in February, 2022. Regardless of government’s efforts and current economic realities, the Union has remained adamant and has even gone ahead to extend its strike action by another eight weeks. This is more so that the Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba has asserted that all of the Union’s demands had been met and that all earned allowances and revitalisation funds had been released. It is pitiable and beyond reasoning that ASUU continues to deploy the same pattern over and over again to agitate supposed grievances. This is regardless of the fact that this strategy has produced minimal result, outlived its usefulness and crippled public tertiary institutions. Evidently, aside other things, strike actions enable ASUU members cash out on closure of public Universities to promote their personal investments and run their private Universities. Thus, their actions are deliberate, all-in pursuit of egoistic and opportunistic pecuniary gains. The Union’s style has undoubtedly become counterproductive, yielding no positive results and only inflicting unimaginable agony on Nigerians while impinging development. While this Union still exists and not scrapped beats all imaginations.

It is, however, encouraging that some Universities are starting to see through ASUU’s insanity and hypocrisy. This is the reason Abia and Delta State Universities backed out of the senseless strike, thereby unshackling the leash of ASUU’s destructive agenda against their own students. Other Universities should wake up and follow suit. Unfortunately, calls by student Unions to embark on protests have also fallen on deaf ears. ASUU has become the elephant in the room and could care less if the country is engulfed by demonstrations that ground socioeconomic activities. The Union should remember that one of its core objectives centers on the good of Nigeria and Nigerians. This strike is not good for us. ASUU must be seen to show empathy in its dealings and explore alternative means of conflict resolution. It must stop taking the easy and unethical path of strike actions to channel its grievances and seek the government’s attention. ASUU should grow up! Otherwise, no one will be wrong to term it as a saboteur.

Abike is a public commentator based in Ado Ekiti

Beg Tinubu for amnesty, group tells George

The Nigeria Rebirth Platform, NRP has urged a South West Politician, Chief Bode George to prepare to beg All Progressive Congress, APC National leader, Bola Tinubu for Amnesty by next year when he finally emerges as Nigerian President.

NRP said Olabode George has, for the fifth time, threatened to leave Nigeria should a former Lagos State governor and national leader of the All Progressive Congress, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu become Nigeria’s president.

NRP National President, Comrade Victor Onah who spoke to newsmen in Abuja said Tinubu is networking towards realizing his lifelong ambition of governing Nigeria so that he can set the country on the path of prosperity similar to what he did during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.

He said the NRP has taken time to try understand Bode George’s fixation with Tinubu and all we could conclude is that he is a victim of extreme paranoia driven by his troubled past.

He said this has caused the old man to be hallucinating things that never were.

“His delusion is so violent that he is driven to aggressively pressure others to join him in his hate-Tinubu obsession.

“For instance, George in his latest tirade alleged that Tinubu has cornered Lagos state. He went on to claim that the APC national leader set up a parallel company to the Internal Revenue Service. We are left wondering what planet Bode George came from to have such a perverted mindset. How is it possible that an individual will use a company to replace the tax authority when there is a governor, State House of Assembly and Judiciary. Even this kind of mindset swirls around in Lagos beer parlours and drinking joint, it is irresponsible for an elder of George’s standing to attempt using his fading clout to validate such.

“The embattled PDP chieftain also insinuated that Tinubu is running Lagos state by installing successive proxy governments to run the state. This fable is uncharitable even when it came from a man who is known to be persistently disconnected from reality. His suggestion is an insult to the millions of Lagosians who have consistently voted for governorship candidates that they know can deliver on good governance. We are at a loss how George will reduce the millions of votes cast during elections in Lagos state as the handiwork of Tinubu.

“If George were in touch with reality, he would have realized that he should rather approach Tinubu as a humble pupil to learn what makes millions of Nigerians eager to align with his vision and vote for candidates associated with him. Had George paid close attention, he would have realized that the Tinubu effect goes beyond Lagos state because he was strategic, in his own way, to APC’s victory nationally in 2015 and 2019 and this would be repeated in 2023” he said

Onah said the group find it surprising that Bode George is oblivious of the fact that the groundwork done by Tinubu has placed Lagos State on a sound economic footing to the extent that it is Africa’s seventh largest economy. This means only Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Angola, and Morocco are ahead of Lagos, which is in turn ahead of some 48 other countries. No wonder right thinking Nigerians are eager for a Tinubu’s presidency.

“Predictably, a man who only had his conviction for contract splitting overturned by the Supreme Court on technicalities will certainly be worried at the prospect of a Tinubu who believes in due process. George is possibly afraid that he could be tried for other crimes that could be linked to him when he was in office and that this time he would go to jail for good and for life. But we want to assure him that Tinubu would be too busy piloting Nigeria to becoming the world’s seventh largest economy to have time for a petty contract splitter” he added

The NRP further called on Bode George to nurse no fear about his ugly past.

” Tinubu will grant amnesty to all repentant criminals who stole from our country once they return their loot. He will also facilitate the necessary psychiatric treatment for people like Bode George who are struggling with Pathological Acquisitiveness Syndrome. All he has to do is to make his desire known to Tinubu when he has become president and his case would be considered on compassionate grounds.

“But only Bode George can manage himself to be free from Tinubu-phobia that is almost proving fatal for him as he now froths in the mouth each time he hears Tinubu’s name or thinks about 2023. It is a disease that has destroyed those suffering from it like George. They started out being hysterical each time they contemplate the prospect of Tinubu becoming president, they howl and rail in the media until their reputation is in tatters, which eventually leads to depression and possibly death. George, and others suffering from this disease, should approach Tinubu with open minds and get the cure for it.

“In the meantime, we suggest that Bode George finds something to distract him from his present compulsive obsession with Tinubu. A ready activity is for him to absorb himself with PDP which is on an accelerated self-destruct mode. If George does not concentrate his energy on saving his party and rather waste his efforts on futilely hounding Tinubu, by 2023 PDP will graduate from being a club of yesterday’s men into an assembly of yesteryear’s men. George and his ilk would have become too irrelevant to be accorded a mention in history by that time” he said

2023: Northern Pastors organize prayer rally for Tinubu

Some Christian clerics under the auspices of Northern Clergy and Christian for Tinubu 2023, on Thursday, staged a special prayer rally for the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 2023 presidential hopeful, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

The Christian preachers claimed that the decision to pray for the presidential ambition of the former Lagos State Governor was informed by the Holy Spirit.

The clergies offered prayers for the will of God for Senator Tinubu’s presidential ambition to come to fruition at the rally which was also well-attended by their followers.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the one-million man prayer rally, the convener, Bishop Sunday Garuba, said God expressed it in their hearts to pray for Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

He said it was the culture of the organisation to always pray and intercede for Nigeria.

According to Bishop Garuba: “It is in our culture as an organisation to always pray and to intercede for this great nation. Just like I said in my speech, since 2015, God has been using us as an organisation to pray for this great country for good governance that God will choose the right people to lead this nation.

“And looking into that as we went to prayers, God expressed in our hearts to pray and to intercede. And we are praying, God also expressed in our hearts to pray for Senator Ahmed Tinubu because of his track records of how he had led. He is one man that has led before as the Governor of Lagos State. And for his wisdom and his ability as a man. He is not a tribalistic man. And also at the same time, he is not biased in his religious affiliation.

“That prompted our hearts to pray and to call on God so that God will give us the right leader to lead this nation.”

In similar vein, one of the clerics and Lead Pastor of Fountain of Praise, Bishop Lawrence Ungene, said Tinubu has the requirements to lead Nigeria.

He said: “We came together to pray for a person by the name Tinubu Bola Ahmed who has a trajectory records of leading this nation.

“Now, the reason for us to come to pray is that the will of God be achieved. It is one thing to have a passion to do a thing, it is one thing to have an ambition for something. But you need to pray to God who has the power to bring that to come pass.

“Because all powers belong to God. Nobody comes into authority except by the will and permission of God. It is only God that can approve for a man to come to authority. The will of God concerning Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be realized.

LEAVE DG DSS ALONE

A Text of Press briefing by the Convener of Save Nigeria Movement, Rev Solomon Semaka on the 23rd day of March 2022 at Charity House, Opposite Buhari International Market, Karu.

The importance of this press briefing is to respond to the needless press conference of the presidents of middle belt youths Forum on 22nd March, 2022 calling for the sack of the Director General of Department of State Services, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

This is laughable. There was never a time the Service or its DG mentioned governors. We can clearly remember that the DSS issued a statement on 19th March, 2022 and alerted the public of plans by some elements to stoke violence in parts of the country particularly the North Central zone. The following day, the Vanguard newspaper published that 3 governors were on the watch of security agencies. To the best of our knowledge, Vanguard never mentioned the DSS.

We are utterly surprised that the MiddleBelt group would ascribe the Vanguard report to the DSS. But we seem to understand your fears. You are possibly exposing your masters by attacking what was never ascribed to them. How regrettable that you advertised your ignorance in the public space especially for malicious intents.

To put the records straight and address the misinformation and outright lies contained in that press statement, it is the duty of DSS to gather intelligence and inform Nigerians about possible threats. It is also the duty of the DSS to take proactive steps to forestall and quell internal uprisings. If the DSS has uncovered a plot by some persons it did not mention to incite violence and make the country ungovernable, then they should be praised for doing their duty professionally. The DSS works round the clock to safeguard lives and property in the country. This kind of statement coming from youths who should know better is disgusting and shameful.

It is easy to chronicle isolated security incidences to push home a false narrative that the federal government is not doing well or to divert people’s attention from the situation on ground in some states. It is however, uncharitable to refuse to acknowledge the numerous successes the DSS and other security agencies are doing to combat insecurity. Such behaviour is tantamount to wishing the state to fail. The good news is that Nigeria has not failed and her institutions are solid and delivering to the chagrin of corrupt and politically reckless leaders.

The federal government cannot use the DSS to witch-hunt any governor as was alleged in that pointless press statement. There will be no justification to go after any state governor simply because they do not agree with Mr. President. Governors are covered by constitutional immunity that protects them from prosection. It does not add up to say that the federal government is setting them up. Why choose them amongst all others? The group may face Vanguard newspaper.

Calling for the sack of the Director of the DSS is shameful. Instead of demanding for his sack, it is better to address the issues raised by the revelations in the DSS report. Criminal elements intent on causing civil disturbance must desist if not the full weight of the law will descend on them. Please leave the DGSS alone. Allow him to continue his good works.

This is a clarion call to all youths especially in the middle belt to prevail on their state governors to pay salaries with approved federal government scales to reduce the hardship people are facing in their states. Youths should hold their leaders accountable and resist being used as thugs and hatchet men. This is the highest duty of youths to their states and country. Making themselves available to be used by rogue governors and political leaders must stop henceforth.

May Nigeria succeed and may criminal elements fail ten times .

Thank you all

Rev Solomon Semaka.
The Convener,
Save the Nigeria Movement

Lekki Deep Seaport: Buhari commends Amaechi, directs rail linkage

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, in making the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which was initiated under his administration a reality.

The President who was inspecting the level of work at the project site on Tuesday also directed him to consult and bring up a memorandum to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to link the facility with the railway network.

This is the first Deep Sea Port in Nigeria located in Lagos Free Zone, 65Km east of Lagos.

In the course of the inspection, the President received firm assurances that the port, which has a concession period of 45 years and sits in a land area of 90 hectares, will be completed on schedule by September.

The Federal government has also revealed that efforts are currently ongoing to ensure that the Badagry seaport in Lagos gets approval to commence construction before May 2023.

The Minister of Transportation, who spoke after the inspection said it was important for the government to utilise other ports in the country in order to avoid congestion in one port.

According to him, “Ibaka and Badagry ports are private seaports, and I think Ibaka has gotten approval. We are fast-tracking that of Badagry so that they can also get their approval. By the time we leave office, all those ports will be approved.”

He explained that the “only port that government may participate in its ownership is the Bonny seaport”.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari visited Lekki seaport after commissioning the Dangote fertilizer plant that is also located in Lekki, Lagos State.

Though the President did not stay long at the port, Amaechi said the news of Buhari’s visit increased the speed of work at the port.

“When I was making the case to the president on why he needed to come to the seaport, most people did not understand why. Do you see the huge difference between when we came two weeks ago and now?

“There are two reasons why I asked the president to come, the first one is to publicise the seaport so that they will know that this government is building a seaport and the first seaport in Nigeria. The other ports we have in Nigeria are all river ports because they tilt off the sea.

“The second reason was to put the heat on them (constructors) and with that, we are almost ready. if not for the equipment, they can actually get this place ready before June but they said all the equipment are arriving by June and installation will take them till September and it can be commissioned by September.

“You see the miracle of bringing a president to this place. That is why Presidents must also inspect projects, that will hasten the process if there is money for completion,” he stated.

Nwoko’s acceptance to serve will boost Delta, Nigeria economy – Group

The Coalition of Nigerian Youths for Good Governance said the decision by Prince Ned Nwoko to represent his people at the Senate by 2023 will help to turn around the economy of Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

Goodluck Thompson in a statement issued in Abuja on behalf of the Coalition said the recent acceptance by Prince Ned Nwoko to represent his people at the Red Chambers is a continuation of good tidings for his immediate constituency and the entirety of the Nigerian populace.

He said Prince Nwoko is unarguably the most charismatic philanthropist in Nigeria who has devoted his time and wealth to better humanity without blowing his trumpet. He is a silent achiever who believes in teaching people how to fish and at the same time giving them fishes. No doubt, he has inscribed his name in gold on the sands of time. In Ned, we have seen the realities of Angels living amongst men in human form.

“We cannot argue less, the good people of Delta North Senatorial District can be rated as the luckiest people on planet Earth because it is not just timely that a trailblazer has agreed to represent them come 2023 at the hallowed chamber, it is going to be the best representation, so far, so good in the history of Delta state. This is not a misappropriation of fact but a reflection of current realities.

“A man who has contributed to the development of his country and immediate constituency as a private citizen should be appraised for accepting to represent his people because he is projected to do more while occupying a public office. Ned Nwoko is already in the Senate and we want to assure his people that there is NO SHAKING!

We are also not ignorant of the fact that his candidacy is a big threat to other selfish contenders who are not even known in their constituency because Prince Ned is not an aspirant but a choosen mandate by his people and for the betterment of his people. Politics is truly a call to serve and not an opportunity to loot public fund.

“Our lens captured some of the philanthropic flair of this great bridge builder who has continued to soar high on the wings of progress by erasing every trace of inhumanity of man to man on his path through periodic outreaches in cash and in kind without seeking compensation. But now is the time approved by his people to enable Nwoko send down more lights from the Red Chambers of national relevance.

“In his usual way and manner, over 200 students from various states in Nigeria including Delta are presently enjoying scholarships under his able watch and care. For Ned, assisting the downtrodden does not warrant any form of media coverage or propaganda. He has continued to touch lives irrespective of race or colour but according to divine provisions. In Delta North and Nigeria at large, Prince Ned is a household name due to his magnanimous approach to human needs by making his people comfortable by providing educational and social amenities. At the moment, the First Sports University in Nigeria located in Idumuje Ugboko, Delta state has witnessed 90% completion and when completed and approved It will without doubt be the first sports university in Nigeria and also shock many to know that the people’s choice –Hon Nwoko– is the brain behind this magnificent project. The University is scheduled for commissioning in the coming days and upon completion, it shall afford Nigerians the opportunity to win more laurels in Olympics and other National and International outings through adequate training and preparations.

“Prince Nwoko is fully prepared for the task ahead. He is an academically sound icon that has all the needed criteria to speak in the comity of Nations. Nwoko is an experienced legal luminary recognized globally as a voice to reckon with. His academic credentials speak volume and are rarely unmatched especially in the sphere of contemporary Nigerian Politics. Aside bagging various honorary doctorate degrees from reputed universities in and out of Nigeria (including a doctorate degree from the Federal University of Petroluem Technology, Warri) Prince Nwoko is impeccably a solicitor of the supreme court of England and Wales and a former Barrister at law of Lincoln’s inn England. It will also amaze his people and the bulk of Nigeria populace to know that he is the first black African to travel to South Pole in Antarctica where he hoisted the Nigerian flag. This is applaudable and an obvious attestation that Nwoko is a patriotic Nigerian.

“Prince Ned Nwoko is not your regular kind of politician. He takes the lead while others follow. Let it be known that he is a naturally born leader full of amazing character and charisma. It is in this light that we are urging any other contender to bury their hatchet and rather join hands with the people’s voice to ensure fair representation for the good people of Delta North Senatorial District in the next dispensation. Nwoko has paid his dues. Once again, congratulations to citizens of Nigeria in his constituents because the game changer has listened to their cry and he will definitely make a difference. We are equally thanking Prince Nwoko for always having the interest of his people at heart.

“Bravo! Keep doing good. It will shock many to know that the people’s choice –Hon Nwoko– is the brain behind this magnificent project. The University is scheduled for commissioning in the coming days and upon completion, it shall afford Nigerians the opportunity to win more laurels in Olympics and other National and International outings through adequate training and preparations.

“Prince Nwoko is fully prepared for the task ahead. He is an academically sound icon that has all the needed criteria to speak in the comity of Nations. Nwoko is an experienced legal luminary recognized globally as a voice to reckon with. His academic credentials speak volume and are rarely unmatched especially in the sphere of contemporary Nigerian Politics. Aside bagging numerous doctorate degrees from reputed universities in and out of Nigeria (including a doctorate degree from the Federal University of Petroluem Technology, Warri) Prince Nwoko is impeccably a solicitor of the support court of England and Wales and a Barrister at law of Lincoln’s in England. It will also amaze his people and the bulk of Nigeria populace to know that he is the first black African to travel to South Pole in Antarctica where he hoisted the Nigerian flag. This is applaudable and an obvious attestation that Nwoko is a patriotic Nigerian.