Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a “scam,” accusing the Bola Tinubu-led administration of lacking tangible projects that benefit Nigerians.
Lawal made the remarks during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired on Channels Television on Friday.
“If you ask me, ‘What projects has this government implemented so far that are visible to Nigerians and have impacted their lives?’ I cannot see any.
“At least in northern Nigeria, where I am a frequent traveller, I don’t see any road that they are constructing or rehabilitating. In the South-West, I don’t think there is any,” he claimed.
He also criticised the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project, claiming successive governments have used it as a political talking point without completing it.
“They are still talking about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which it appears every government talks about and votes money for, and it never goes anywhere.
“Their so-called coastal road is just a scam. Every Nigerian knows it is a scam. Even before they started, we knew it would be a scam, and it has become a scam,” he said.
Tinubu had, in May, flagged off the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway — a 30-kilometre stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Eleko Village area in Lekki, Lagos.
But Lawal dismissed the development, questioning its relevance in the face of mounting public debt.
“You borrow money from Europe, and before it comes, it is spent over there. So, I don’t understand. What can Nigerians see?
“It has become such that the President can go and commission 30 kilometres of a 700km road — which has even become a source of controversy. So, what are they doing with our money?” he asked.
Bangladesh’s caretaker government has overturned a long-standing protocol requiring women officials to be addressed as “sir”, calling it an “odd” relic of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
The interim administration, headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, took office last year after former prime minister Hasina was overthrown by a student-led uprising, forcing her to flee to neighbouring India.
A statement issued by the press wing of the caretaker government late Thursday said the directive mandating the use of “sir” for women in official roles had been “annulled”.
“During Sheikh Hasina’s nearly 16-year-long autocratic rule, a directive was reportedly issued requiring public officials to address her as ‘sir’,” it said.
“This practice extended to other high-ranking women officials, who were – and still are – being called ‘sir’, which is clearly odd.”
A new committee has been formed to revise other protocol-related directives, the statement added.
A woman bureaucrat told AFP that the caretaker government took the call without consulting women officials.
“The tradition began during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, but many women officers supported it, finding the address gender-neutral,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Hasina, 77, who has defied orders to return to Dhaka, faces several charges at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged crimes committed during a crackdown on the protests that led to her toppling.
Up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August 2024, according to the United Nations.
Prosecutors say that Hasina held overall command responsibility for the violence.
In a move to combat child hunger, boost school enrollment, and reduce the number of out-of-school children, the Governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal has officially launched the Zamfara State Pilot School Feeding Programme.
According to a statement by the Office of the Senior Special Adviser to the President on School Feeding on Friday, the milestone was made possible through the coordination of Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding.
“This program is not only about feeding children—it’s about restoring dignity, improving access to education, and fighting poverty.
“We are proud to be working with visionary leaders like Dr. Yetunde Adeniji to deliver on our shared promise,” Lawal declared.
The programme is supported by key development partners including the World Bank, UNICEF, International Center for Economic Development, FINPACT Development Foundation
Yetunde who identified out-of-school children in 14 local councils of the state, she assured that through sustainable pilot interventions, the collaboration will mark a turning point in Zamfara’s education sector.
“Together, we are ensuring that no child is left behind — nourishing minds and bodies one plate at a time. This is what impact looks like. This is Renewed Hope in Action,” she stressed.
The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed two persons dead and 10 injured in an auto crash that occurred along Ringim-Kano Road, in the Ringim Local Government Area of the state.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Umar Mas’ud, told newsmen in Dutse, the state capital, on Friday that the incident, which involved two Volkswagen cars, was caused by overspeeding and wrongful overtaking.
Mas’ud said that 13 persons were involved in the incident, which occurred at about 10:40 a.m. on Thursday.
The sector commander added that all 13 persons involved are from Bareda village in the Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Mas’ud further stated that the Corps recovered N2.1 million belonging to one of the deceased victims and one survivor.
Mas’udu said the money had since been handed over to the victims’ relatives in the presence of the area’s Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Abdullahi Ibrahim.
He commended the Corps’ Unit Command in charge of the area for their transparency and diligence in recovering and returning the money.
Mas’ud said, “It is my pleasure to inform the general public that our personnel were involved in a rescue operation in the Ringim area on Thursday, and during the exercise, the sum of N2,166,700 was recovered.
“After a thorough investigation with the support of the police in the area, all the money recovered was handed over to relatives of the victims.”
The sector commander was further reassured of the Corp’s commitment to integrity and its mandate to serve the public with compassion and transparency.
Mas’udu advised motorists to desist from overspeeding, wrongful overtaking, and other acts capable of causing road crashes under whatever circumstances.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for continued support for the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative, as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ogalla made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of a Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project in Agbor, Delta State.
The project involved the renovation of Igue Primary School, Ime-Obi, including the perimeter fencing, provision of a borehole, and construction of a security gatehouse, among other improvements.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Oluwole Fadeyi, Ogalla highlighted the importance of CIMIC, describing it as “a key principle consistently emphasised by the CNS in strengthening military-community relations.”
According to the CNS, the renovation of the primary school, originally built in 1945, had become imperative to provide a more conducive learning environment.
He explained that the CNS-QIP was launched to implement projects that enhance the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation across the country, adding that “this particular project was facilitated by Rear Admiral E.O. Nmoyem as a way of giving back to his roots and improving the lives of people in the community.”
Ogalla further stated, “CIMIC includes activities and interactions between the military and civil society geared towards accomplishing military missions and strategic objectives.
“These projects serve not only to honour distinguished senior officers of the Nigerian Navy but also demonstrate the Navy’s broader commitment to serving Nigerians beyond its core mandate of securing lives and property in the maritime environment.
“Today’s commissioning of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project, undertaken by an illustrious son of Agbor, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogboi Nmoyem, is yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation efforts.”
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Nmoyem expressed profound gratitude to the CNS “for the invaluable opportunity to execute such a meaningful project in Agbor, Delta State.”
He described the initiative as “a testament to the CNS’s visionary leadership and commitment to community development, with the Igue community being a major beneficiary.”
Nmoyem expressed hope that “the project would significantly improve the standard of learning for pupils of the school.”
Also speaking at the event, which drew a large crowd of military personnel, security officials, and community stakeholders, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I; the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Jerry Ehiwariyo; and the Head Teacher of Igue Primary School all expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for extending its developmental impact to the Agbor community.
The Deeper Life Bible Church has sought what it called a commensurate compensation for the demolition of its church building on 36 Aina St, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos State.
The church also sought protection for its members while carrying out lawful activities on the land, pending when the demolition case would be resolved.
The spokesperson for the church, Mr Taiwo Kupolati, made this known on Friday in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Kupolati said that the church building was pulled down on May 27 by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.
“Our members are raising questions on the legality of the action.
“For commensurate compensation to be made, the church wants proper valuation of the property,” he said.
The spokesperson said that the church rejected a ₦10 million compensation earlier given to it by the Surulere Local Government.
“Alternatively, the church demands that it should be relocated to another land within the vicinity to enable its members to continue their worship,” he said.
He said that the church had reported the case to the acting inspector-general of police in charge of Zone Two of the Nigeria Police Force, seeking protection of its members from harassment or intimidation while worshipping on the land pending resolution of the case.
Kupolati said that as a peaceful organisation, the church chose the legal route to settle the matter.
“We were told that LASBCA acted on its own. But we know the local government had earlier indicated interest in the land,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, has said that the state government had no issues with the church and had no hand in the demolition.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has always promoted fairness. We hold Deeper Life Church in high regard. The state government did not order the demolition,” he said.
According to him, the demolition was a local government matter.
“We have begun talks with representatives of the church. The governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters (Christian) is engaging with them,” the commissioner said.
The member representing Edo South in the Senate, Neda Imasuen, has described the Supreme Court judgement upholding the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo as a moment of renewal in the state.
He called on well-meaning citizens of the state to join hands with the governor as he steers the ship of the state towards greater heights.
PUNCH Online reports that on Thursday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Lawal Garba, held that the Candidate of the People Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, failed to prove allegations of over-voting, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and other infractions cited as grounds to challenge Okpebholo’s electoral victory.
In a unanimous judgment, the court ruled that based on the evidence before it, Ighodalo was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast.
Specifically, the court noted that the PDP candidate failed to substantiate claims of non-compliance, having only challenged the results in 395 out of the 4,519 polling units where elections were conducted.
The panel of justices further held that the 19 witnesses called during the trial were not sufficient to help the case of the appellant in challenging the outcome of the election.
The panel also held that it found no reason to set aside the previous judgments of the lower courts, noting that the appellant failed to prove, without doubt, admissible evidence to the claim that the election was marred by irregularities and over-voting.
However, in a statement on Friday, Imasuen said that judgment not only affirms the will of the people but also reinforces the collective belief in the sanctity of democracy and the rule of law.
The statement read, “I warmly congratulate Senator Monday Okpebholo on his resounding and well-deserved victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, which has finally brought an end to the long and strenuous legal contest surrounding the Edo State governorship election.
“This is a moment of renewal, and I urge all well-meaning sons and daughters of Edo State to join hands with the Governor as he steers the ship of our great State towards greater heights.
“The Supreme Court’s landmark judgement not only affirms the will of the people, but also reinforces our collective belief in the sanctity of democracy and the rule of law.
“By dismissing the petition and holding that the claims against the election lacked substance, the apex court has now drawn a clear line under the matter, allowing us to fully focus on the task of governance and development.”
Imasuen said that the victory is not just personal to Governor Okpebholo, but a triumph for the entire people of Edo State who deserve peace, stability and purposeful leadership.
He stated that the time for politicking is over, adding that it is time for healing, unity, and rebuilding trust in the promise of democracy.
He added, “As the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, I restate my unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with Governor Okpebholo to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. T
“Together, we must channel our collective energies into the pursuit of good governance, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, education, security, and economic progress for every Edo citizen.
“Once again, congratulations, Senator Monday Okpebholo. The victory is for all of us.”
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said that former President Muhammadu Buhari would not have won the 2015 presidential election without the crucial support of Tinubu and the Action Congress of Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday night, Onanuga dismissed recent claims by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who argued that the merger that formed the All Progressives Congress in 2013 contributed only three million votes to Buhari’s eventual win.
The parties involved in the merger were the Congress for Progressive Change, Action Congress of Nigeria and All Nigerian Peoples Party.
Mustapha on Wednesday had said that Buhari already commanded a consistent base of over 12 million votes before the merger, suggesting that the CPC’s alliance with ACN and ANPP played a minimal role in his victory over former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, Onanuga countered the claim, stating that while Buhari had a strong northern following, he lacked the national spread required to win the presidency on his own.
Onanuga said Buhari, despite his millions of votes, was “nowhere” in the South and needed ACN for the electoral “spread” necessary to win the presidential election.
The presidential spokesperson asserted that ACN got Buhari the “important votes” in the south.
“It was clear to ACN, a very strategic arm of that alliance, that without additional support, there was no way Buhari could have won the election.
“Yeah, he was getting 12 million votes if you put all the 19 states together, but in the south, Buhari was nowhere. Buhari needed the spread. ACN had six.
“Buhari got the votes he needed in those six states. They may not be in millions, but there were important votes.
“He won in all those six states, and he got more than 25 per cent. At the end of the day, he won in about 25 states, more than the constitutional requirement of 24 states,” he said.
Onanuga further stressed that the former president remained grateful for Tinubu’s role in making the 2015 victory possible.
He said, “Buhari never forgot the help that Tinubu rendered to him. He wouldn’t have become president without Tinubu’s assistance.”
The Presidency has dismissed allegations that President Bola Tinubu is behind recent disruptions faced by opposition parties in the country, calling the claims unfounded and politically motivated.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time on Thursday night.
Onanuga denied reports that the President was interfering with meetings or activities of opposition coalitions, particularly the new alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and others under the African Democratic Congress.
“There is this tendency in Nigeria to scapegoat Tinubu for everything. People face challenges and the first thing they say is, ‘It’s Tinubu.’ But it’s not true. He wasn’t even in the country when some of these events happened,” Onanuga said.
Opposition leaders had alleged that venues booked for political events were suddenly cancelled, and that members of the ADC coalition had to walk long distances to reach the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre in Abuja to avoid attracting security attention and risking a blockade.
Onanuga rejected claims that the current administration is suppressing dissent or stifling opposition voices.
“This government allows freedom of speech. I’ve heard people say this government is against freedom of speech. That’s baloney. This government allows freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, and freedom of the press. If a hotel cancels an event booking, does that mean Tinubu owns the hotel?” he asked.
Speaking on the emerging coalition between Atiku and Obi, Onanuga argued that political mergers do not guarantee electoral success.
“Atiku has been in the presidential race more than anyone – more than Tinubu, more than Obi. Each time, he fails at the gate. Buhari failed several times too, but he eventually succeeded—with Tinubu’s help,” he said.
He added that Atiku’s political strategy in 2023, which relied heavily on northern sentiments, was rejected by voters in the South. “If he tries that again, how will he get southern support? Even with Obi as a running mate, it doesn’t guarantee that Obi’s 2023 supporters will follow him again,” he said.
Speaking further, Onanuga maintained that Tinubu still commands support in the North, citing key appointments and policies as proof of goodwill toward the region.
“This president is doing a lot for the North. He has appointed people from the North-West and North-East into top positions. In politics, a good turn deserves another. The noise does not match the reality. People are benefiting,” he said.
He concluded that at the appropriate time, the President would draw on the goodwill generated by his administration’s actions across the country.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and sunshine over the country from Friday to Sunday.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja envisaged thunderstorms in the northern region on Friday.
It predicted light to moderate rains during the morning hours over parts of Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Bauchi States, while the remaining parts of the region would be sunny with patches of cloud.
According to it, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected during the afternoon or evening hours
“In the central region, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected over this region during the morning hours.
“While thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Niger and Plateau states during the afternoon and evening,” it said.
The agency predicted cloudy skies over the southern region with prospects of morning light rains over parts of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
It anticipated moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.
NiMet predicted sunny skies in the northern region on Saturday with patches of clouds during the morning hours.
It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, Yobe and Kaduna States.
According to it, thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Zamfara and Kaduna States..
“On the central region, early morning thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of Niger and Plateau states.
“Afternoon or evening thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and Plateau states.
“Cloudy skies are expected over the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Abia, Ebonyi, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states,” it said.
It envisaged moderate to heavy rains over the region during the afternoon or evening periods.
NiMet predicted thunderstorms for Sunday in the northern region and envisaged moderate rains during the morning hours over parts of Taraba, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Kano, Katsina and Kaduna States.
It said that the remaining parts of the region would be sunny with patches of cloud.
He added that thunderstorms with moderate rains would be expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States.
According to it, cloudy skies are anticipated over the central region during the morning hours with chances of thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and Plateau States.
It envisaged light to moderate rains over parts of Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Plateau states later in the day.
NiMet anticipated morning rains over parts of Ondo, Edo, Ogun, Cross River, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom during the morning hours in the southern region, with the rest of the day being cloudy.
It added that moderate to heavy rains would be expected over the southern region during the afternoon or evening periods.
It urged the public to take extra care as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms would likely occur.
“Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.
“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.
“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” it said.
It advised the airline operators to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
The agency advised the public to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting its website.
