Connect with us


BIG STORY

I Never Said “Buhari’s Govt Has Let Me Down’’ – Abu Sidiq @MrAbuSidiq

Published

on

Abusidiqu2
It has become expedient for me to respond to a publication by an online platform which headlined a story claiming that I said Buhari’s Government has let me down.
Shortly after my release from the EFCC on Tuesday, I posted a statement to thank all those who joined in demanding for my release. As part of that statement, I wrote that “This is a government that I fought for. But occurrences like these are not the experiences that myself and millions of Nigerians have fought for.”
If those words were what the online platform used to mean that I said the Buhari govt has let me down, then I must have been quoted out of context. What I was simply trying to say is that I fought for the government, but the incidence of my arrest by the EFCC has shown that it is not what we fought for that happened. If that statement expresses any iota of disappointment, then it will be on the Magu-led leadership of the EFCC who simply arrogated to himself the judge and the jury in a case that he is the principal subject. President Buhari in the spirit of strengthening institutions in Nigeria gave the EFCC the freedom to independently carry out its constitutional responsibilities. It is the EFCC chairman that decided to abuse that independence.  Therefore, the president should not be dragged into this matter.
To set the records straight, there is no way I could have expressed disappointment in a govt that one of its institution decided to abuse its powers. It will only amount to meaning that I expected the Buhari government to stand by me whether or not I am guilty of the offence alleged. That will be dragging us to the past days of impunity which informed my decision to support the person of President Muhammadu Buhari and his change mantra. I know for one that the Buhari government will not shield anyone found wanting whether or not you support or is part of his government. So expecting such would have been disastrous.
I have been an ardent supporter of the president since 2003 and despite every opportunity to jump ship, I stayed the course because of my conviction that he is the man to turn around the fortunes of the country and he has already set towards that path. It will be foolhardy to therefore quite at a time a course I stood with for over 15 years was already bearing fruits.
I therefore want to restate that I remain committed to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and I will do everything to ensure that it succeeds including calling out any individual in the government who is yet to imbibe the spirit of change.
 
I thank you.
 
Abubakar Sidiq Usman

BIG STORY

Lagos State Government To Concession Red And Blue Line Rails For Sustainability, Loan Repayment

Published

on

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to concession the operations of the Red and Blue Line rail systems to the private sector in order to ensure their sustainability and repay loans taken for the rail projects.

This announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during a recent TVC News interview, where he discussed the measures being implemented to ensure the continued viability of the state’s rail systems.

Osiyemi explained that the concessioning process would involve transferring the operations of the rail systems to private sector players for a defined period. This approach is intended to ensure the continued operation and effective management of the rail projects.

“The ultimate game is for all our rail systems we’ve done—that is, the Red Line and Blue Line—there is going to be some concessionairing with the private sector for a period of time to ensure sustainability and continuity,” he stated.

He added, “The concessioning would help pay back the loans taken for the rail projects.”

The commissioner emphasized that the concessioning strategy aims to ensure efficient operations and long-term financial sustainability, in line with the state’s vision for a world-class transportation network.

  • More Insight

Osiyemi further highlighted the substantial financial and technical challenges involved in operating rail systems, describing them as capital-intensive projects that require significant resources and specialized expertise.

To tackle these challenges and build local capacity, he noted that the Lagos State Government has enlisted foreign partners to temporarily manage the operations of the trains.

These partners are expected to not only ensure smooth operations during their tenure but also transfer critical skills to Nigerian personnel. The plan includes a structured training program lasting one to two years, after which the management of the rail systems will be fully handed over to local operators.

“What we have done is we have consulted foreign partners who, of course, would run these trains for a particular period of time and train our people—that is, transfer of skills.”

“They will train our people for one to two years, then hand over for our own management,” Osiyemi explained.

  • Things You Should Know

The Lagos State Government, under its Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan, has set out an ambitious vision to develop a network of rail systems across the state.

Currently, only the first phases of the Red Line and Blue Line rail systems have been completed, with passenger services already in operation.

The Blue Line is a 27km electric rail line designed for sustainable operations. Its first phase, covering 13km from Lagos Marina to Mile 2, was completed in 2023 and began commercial operations in September, carrying over 2 million passengers to date.

The Red Line, spanning 37km from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, operates on diesel. Its first phase, a 27km stretch, includes eight strategically located stations: Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo.

The construction of the second phases of both the Red Line and Blue Line rail systems is being managed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which also oversees the operation of the trains.

Beyond the Red and Blue Lines, the state has plans for additional rail systems, including the 68km Green Line (Lekki Free Trade Zone to Marina), the 85.7km Purple Line (Redemption Camp to Ojo), the 48km Orange Line (Ikeja CBD to Agbowa), and the Yellow Line, all aimed at enhancing the state’s transportation network.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Lagos Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab Condoles With Families Of Epe Accident Victims

Published

on

Condolence Message from the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab.

I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred in our community, Epe, claiming the lives of two promising young adults, a dedicated tricycle driver, and leaving several other people injured. This heartbreaking accident has left our hearts heavy, as we mourn the loss of these young souls who were full of hope and dreams, and an industrious individual who worked tirelessly for his livelihood.

As a member of this community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends affected by this terrible loss. I can only imagine the pain you must feel, and I want you to know that you are not alone in this moment of grief.

Let us honor the memories of these individuals by advocating for safety and awareness on our roads. As we move forward, may we find comfort in community and strength in one another. May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find solace and healing in the days to come.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Monday Okpebholo Sworn In As Edo State Governor

Published

on

Monday Okpebholo, a serving senator, has been sworn in as the governor of Edo State.

Okpebholo took his oath of office at about 1pm on Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony in Benin, the state capital.

As the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo won the September 21 off-cycle governorship election in the state.

He polled 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second with 247,274 votes.

Olumide Akpata, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), came third with 22,763 votes.

Dennis Idahosa was also sworn in as the deputy governor of Edo.

Dignitaries, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, chair of the governors’ forum; Philip Shaibu, reinstated deputy governor of Edo; and other governors from the party, were present as Okpebholo took the oath of office.

The new governor later rode in an open-top van around the stadium, acknowledging cheers from supporters.

Continue Reading



 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular