TheNewsGuru

Tag: Abuja

  • Full statement: PDP flays Buhari, claims Abuja light rail project

    Full statement: PDP flays Buhari, claims Abuja light rail project

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flays President Muhammadu Buhari and his dysfunctional All Progressives Congress (APC) for attempting to claim credit for the Abuja Light Rail Project, even when Nigerians are aware that the project was conceptualized, initiated and policy-propelled by the PDP.

    The party said President Buhari’s showboating and rush to commission the rail project, without giving credit to the PDP, even when his administration contributed nothing to the project, underscores his desperation to claim achievements made by others in a frantic bid to cover incompetence and failure of his administration.

    It is crystal clear that President Buhari cannot comprehend the design, scope and utility projection of the rail project resulting in his hollow speech at the photo-op commissioning ceremony.

    Is it not unfortunate that, after three years in office, President Buhari cannot boast of any development project conceptualized and executed by his administration in any part of the country, resulting in his numerous face-saving stunts, including commissioning projects executed by others, amongst them, a bus stop in Lagos and a borehole in Jigawa states.

    The PDP usually watch with amusement whenever President Buhari and the APC seek to claim credit for our achievements in various sectors. However, while we understand their predicament of having nothing in their scorecard ahead of the 2019 general elections, we state that poaching the achievements of others cannot help them in anyway.

    It is even more pathetic that not only that the Buhari administration lacks the capacity to articulate and run any precise economic policy or project, it is also so inept that it cannot leverage on those handed over to it by the PDP, resulting in the helpless situation we have found ourselves as a people.

    The PDP however urges Nigerians not to despair especially as the 2019 general elections offer them the firm opportunity to vote out this inept administration and return a development-oriented and competent government on the platform of the repositioned and rebranded PDP.

     

  • Buhari’s remarks at commissioning of Abuja light rail system

    Buhari’s remarks at commissioning of Abuja light rail system

    I am very pleased to be here today to formally Commission the Abuja Light Rail System. The completion of this very important project is a dream come-true.

    I commend the Hon. Minister of F.C.T for the hard work and sense of purpose towards the realization of this long awaited modern transportation system for both FCT residents and visitors.

    This accomplishment clearly demonstrates our commitment to addressing critical infrastructural projects and keeping with the ideals of the Change Agenda to ensure prudence in the management of public resources, value for money considering the huge investments in this project.

    Transportation is the live wire of any city. I am very optimistic that a modern rail service would bring about a boost to the FCT economy and greatly enhance social life. I am aware that what we have on ground today are coaches meant to provide skeletal services as we await the main set of the rolling stock for full operations.

    I have been briefed on the outcome of the Hon. Ministers of F.C.T and Finance recent visit to China, during which the MOUs and agreements for the procurements of the main rolling stock were signed. May I therefore assure Nigerians of Federal Government’s continued support for all the negotiations towards the realization of the Abuja Light Rail system.

    Today, what we have in the Federal Capital Territory is another evidence that we are a government that delivers on its promises. I have observed keenly other milestones that this Administration has achieved, especially in the areas of education, public utilities and infrastructure development.

    I commend the efforts of the Hon. Minister of F.C.T. as well as the support and patience of the residents, while we are working to improve the city’s transportation service. I am thankful to the Government and people of China for their investment in the Nigerian economy. I commend the CCECC Limited – the Contracting Firm, for the quality of work and timely delivery of this project.

    Let me place on record the Nigerian government’s appreciation to the Government of China and the EXIM Bank of China for their support on this and many other projects currently being executed in the country.

    This gesture further cements the already existing cordial relations and developmental partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. I would also like to thank our Nigerian Consultants, Messrs Transurb Technirail Consult Limited for their services.

    Let me conclude by urging the FCT Administration, especially, the management of the rail services, to ensure efficient operations, good customer service and maintenance culture in the operations punctuality of the rail. Now it is my honour and sincere pleasure to commission the Abuja Light Rail System.

    Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     

  • Breaking: Buhari commissions first light rail network in WA

    Breaking: Buhari commissions first light rail network in WA

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday commissioned the Abuja Light Rail after being awarded since 2007 and facing several delays.

    TheNewsGuru reports Buhari was joined by Ministers of Transportation/FCT, Rotimi Amaechi, Mohammed Bello, and SGF, Boss Mustapha.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Budget, and other top government functionaries were also present.

    The commissioning is the first phase of the Abuja Light Rail mass transit that is expected to cover 12 stations within the metropolis.

    The completed phase one; 2 Lines, Yellow and Blue, has connections to Abuja Airport and the National Rail Line.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BlILHlCDcWL/?taken-by=thenewsgurung

    After the official commissioning, President Buhari took a guided tour of the to Idu Metro Station and Airport Metro Station.

    The Abuja metro is said to be the first light rail network in West Africa.

     

  • Xenophobia: Ramaphosa visits Buhari, reveals why Nigerians are attacked, killed in South Africa

    Xenophobia: Ramaphosa visits Buhari, reveals why Nigerians are attacked, killed in South Africa

    …says South Africa will be safe again

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday received his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari led some top government officials to receive the South African President at the forecourt of his office at 3 pm after presiding over the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

    The two leaders thereafter went into a closed-door meeting.

    The meeting came amid increasing cases of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa however said his government was not in support of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other countries.

    Ramaphosa said this while speaking at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Afreximbank in Abuja.

    He said one of the major reasons he chose to visit Nigeria first upon his assumption of office was to improve relations between both countries.

    There have been several of such attacks on non South Africans, including Nigerians, and their businesses in the last couple of years.

    According to Ramaphosa, South Africans have been exposed to unsafe environment, criminality and a number of other challenges.

    “And we have also had a huge problem of unemployment and people tended to react in a way where they want to safeguard their own interest and expressed their fears and concerns through xenophobic action on other people.

    “Our government has been very clear and strong on this, we will not support anyone who seeks to attack anybody on the basis of their race, their origin or the way they look and we are very clear on that.

    “In terms of safety and security, security institutions are now taking serious actions against people who result in criminalities.

    “They are making good strides, they are catching the criminals and we trying to turn South Africa into a safe environment,’’ the president said.

    He pledged South Africa’s commitment to support Nigeria in its developmental pursuit.

    He said: “Nigeria supported us in our days of struggle and we are ready and willing to also support Nigeria as you continue to develop your own country.

    “The two countries are joined whether we like it or not and we better make use of this opportunity that we have to improve the relations between us.”

    On the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA), Ramaphosa said the South African government was looking forward to the agreement as it had great benefits for the country.

    He said the free trade agreement would enhance the growth of economies of a number of countries especially those in conflict.

    He said: “Part of this free trade agreement will not only resolve the movement of goods but also the movement of people, as goods can move on their own; and soon we will have our own African DHL.”

     

     

  • Police dismiss, arraign officer who shot NYSC corps member in Abuja

    Police dismiss, arraign officer who shot NYSC corps member in Abuja

    The Police authority has dismissed the Policeman who shot a Corp member, Miss Linda Angela Igwetu in Abuja on Wednesday night.

    The Police also said the policeman, Benjamin Peters has been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction and he is awaiting trial.

    This was disclosed in Abuja on Friday by the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Sadiq Bello at a press briefing.

    Giving details of the incident, Bello said: “On 4/07/2018 at about 0300hrs when Policemen on Stop-And-Search duty at Ceddi Plaza Pindown intercepted a Toyota Camry car with sunroof.

    “It was alleged that the lady, one Angela Igwetu stood up and brought out her head through the sunroof, shouting and calling out for help that she was kidnapped.

    “The Policemen claimed that they flagged that vehicle down, but the driver refused to stop. This made the Police Inspector to open fire on the vehicle which unfortunately hit the lady in question; she was rushed to Garki Hospital where she eventually died.”

    On the sanction meted out to the Policeman, Bello said: “Police have taken necessary measures, the Policeman that opened fire has been arrested, necessary disciplinary procedures have been concluded.

    “He has been dismissed from the Force and arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction and he is currently on remand awaiting commencement of trial.

    “I am appealing for calm and understanding from members of the public particularly, the family of the deceased that at the end of the day justice will be done in this matter.

    “The Nigeria Police, FCT Command does not condone act of irresponsibility and incivility or outright criminality on the part of its officers and men; they have always been admonished to be civil to members of the public and be professional in the conduct of their duties.”

    On whether his dismissal was justified, The CP said: “This is what the policemen on duty said, they said as the car was coming, she stuck her head up and she was shouting that she has been kidnapped and she was calling for help. That is what the policemen said but the two gentlemen that were with her said no.

    “They agreed that she stuck her head up but that she was catching fun and obviously maybe they were under influence of something because they were just coming out from joint or something because she was about to pass out from NYSC the next day. That is what they said and they are colleagues; herself and one of the other occupants of the car. They work for one American company. So you see, the issue of kidnap, I don’t believe would come in there.”

    He further explained: “One thing again, as police officers, we know that it is much better for a criminal to escape than for an innocent person to die. So again, if you are doing that to save her life, you ended up killing her.

    “If you are very familiar with law, there is no excuse for taking someone’s life. It can only mitigate the intention. For a crime to be confirmed there must be intention and the physical acts. So if you kill somebody by mistake, you are still culpable but it is just that it will mitigate the intention.

    “So for us, I think the shooting is not justified. They could have as well radioed the control room that this is what is happening and call other Police checkpoints to be on alert.

    “I can tell you that it is a standing order that it is better for a criminal to escape than for an innocent person to suffer.”

    The CP also reassured residents of FCT that they should go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation or harassment, adding that their peace and security is guaranteed at all times.”

  • Police detain officer who shot NYSC corps member in Abuja

    Police detain officer who shot NYSC corps member in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has taken into custody a police officer, Benjamin Peters, who allegedly shot a youth corps member, Linda Igwetu, in Abuja on Wednesday morning.

    It was gathered that detectives had commenced an investigation into the death of the 22-year-old, who was killed when the car she was riding with two of her colleagues failed to stop at a ‘stop and search’ point mounted by the police immediately after Ceddi Plaza, Central Business District, Abuja.

    The deceased was to pass out on Thursday (yesterday) after her one-year national service in Abuja before her tragic death.

    A source explained that the investigators would ascertain Peters’ claim that he heard a shout for help before firing the fatal shot that claimed Igwetu’s life.

    The police, it was gathered, were also probing why the driver of the car failed to stop after he was flagged down by the policemen.

    The investigators would interrogate the driver and the other occupant of the car to know what transpired during the breach of the police checkpoint.

    The deceased’s sibling, Chinenye said the police had not formally informed the family why Igwetu was shot dead by the trigger-happy policeman.

    “All we were told is that they are investigating the incident, so we are waiting to hear from them,” she stated.

  • IG sets up crack team to investigate killing of seven policemen in Abuja

    The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has set up a seven-man team of crack detectives, Scene of Crime Experts and Technical Intelligence Unit of the Force to investigate the killing of seven policemen while on duty in Abuja on Monday by suspected criminals.

    The force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that the team which was inaugurated on Tuesday is headed by a seasoned investigator, Bala Ciroma, a Commissioner of Police.

    He would be assisted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the IGP Special Tactical Squad, DCP, Department of Operations, FCT Police Command and DCP, Police Forensic Department.

    Other team members include DCP, Police Central Criminal Registry, Assistant Commissioner of Police, IGP Intelligence Response Team, ACP, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad and Chief Superintendent of Police, IGP Secretariat.

    The statement explained that the team had already commenced an investigation which is expected to be concluded in 21 days.

    It said, “The mandate of the specialised team includes a thorough and discreet investigation of the ambush attack and killing of seven policemen while on duty on July 2, 2018, by armed robbers/bandits at Galadimawa roundabout, Federal Capital Territory.

    “The team is to unravel, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings and to detect the motives behind the ambush and killing.”

    Moshood stated that the team would work with the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory in the investigation of the incident, adding that it would take over a further probe into the crime from the FCT Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.

    He noted that the investigation team would take any other instruction from the IG in ensuring the prompt resolution of the crime to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    “The team will obtain evidence, receive complaints and information from public-spirited individuals or any other member of the public with useful information that can assist them in their investigation.

    “The team is expected to proffer strategies and recommendations to forestall similar attacks in the future,” the statement added.

  • BREAKING: Gunmen invade Abuja, kill seven police officers on duty

    There was pandemonium on Tuesday in Abuja as armed men reportedly gunned down seven police officers.

    According to a report by Premium Times, the incident occurred at Galadimawa Junction, just off the international airport road.

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police commissioner, Sadiq Bello confirmed the tragic incident.

    The police chief was, however, unable to immediately provide full details of how it occurred, saying the FCT police spokesperson, Anjuguri Manzah, will provide further details shortly.

    Details soon…

  • CATBAN protest in Abuja, demand to see legislators [Photos]

    CATBAN protest in Abuja, demand to see legislators [Photos]

    Citizens Action to Take Back Nigeria (CATBAN) is presently holding a protest at the National Assembly over what they describe as unnecessary budget cut of major projects in the 2018 Budget.

    The #CATBANProtest is demanding that the NASS gate be opened so they can see the legislators.

     

    Details shortly…

     

  • Ebola scare: Anxiety as FAAN detects 95% of travelers with high fever in Abuja

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria says it has detected and picked up more than 95 per cent of travellers who had high fever suspected to be symptoms of the dreaded Ebola virus.

    The travellers were detected at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    According to the airport regulatory body, other relevant agencies have been teamed up with, with a view to effectively guarding against the disease.

    Dr Adamu Adamu, FAAN’s Head of Medical, revealed these during a media tour of the Abuja airport.

    Hundreds of passengers and crew members on-board Emirates Airlines, including the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, were screened with the thermal camera and hand temperature detector during the tour.

    “In this airport, we have a public health emergency contingency plan that we developed in conjunction with the Port Health Services of the Ministry of Health and our partners, Pro-Health International. I am sure you are all aware of the outbreak of Ebola in Congo, which has moved from the rural areas, where it started, towards Kinshasa,” Adamu said.

    “Because Kinshasa is a hub, it has become a serious concern and the world is probably in trouble. Right now, the World Health Organisation has not declared public health emergency of international concern over the case, but Nigeria has to be proactive because of our previous experience.”

    He also said, “What we are doing is not an Ebola scan; we are scanning for high temperature fever so that when we discover any passenger with high temperature, we quickly take that person for proper checks. We don’t want to scare people, because there is no cause for alarm. We want people to come to us if they feel sick or if they suspect any one to be sick.

    “We are looking at the temperature scan. We are also looking at the travel history of passengers. We have sanitisers that have been positioned in strategic areas so that passengers who are coming into Nigeria will have facilities to clean up their hands. I can assure you that over 95 per cent of people that come to this airport with high fever are detected and picked up.”