Headlines

A middle-aged man named Udeme is feared dead following the collapse of a two-storey building under construction in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, at around 2 p.m., comes just a week after a three-storey building collapsed in the Iriebe area of the same local government, though no casualties were recorded in that case.

According to an eyewitness, Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building caved in while contractors were working on the second floor, killing one of the workers and leaving another severely injured. Obey suggested that the collapse may have been caused by deliberate infractions by the property developer, citing the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices.

“It’s a building collapse. One person is trapped inside the rubble. When we tried to rescue him, we couldn’t. Our investigation revealed that substandard materials were used for the project. The foundation was only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is inadequate. The rods used were of poor quality, and the structure lacked a center beam and a pillar. They also didn’t use enough cement in casting the first decking,” Obey stated.

In response, the Rivers State Government has sealed off the premises of the collapsed building and declared the property developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted in connection with the incident.

During an on-the-spot inspection of the site, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, accused Nwoye of gross negligence and violating the state’s building regulations. Bipi attributed the collapse to the developer’s failure to obtain a government-approved building plan and the use of substandard materials, which led to the tragedy.

The Federal Government has terminated the ₦740 billion contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway due to non-performance.

The decision follows a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the company to accept the government’s offer of ₦740.79 billion to complete the 82km Section II of the road. Despite the Federal Executive Council approving the necessary funds, Umahi expressed frustration over the company’s failure to mobilize to the site, noting that the delay has caused hardship for road users and negatively impacted the government.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, the contract was terminated after the company’s notice for completion expired on Monday. According to the ministry, while the Kaduna-Zaria section has been completed and the Zaria-Kano section is nearing completion, only 27 percent progress has been made on the Abuja-Kaduna section over the past six years.

Two weeks ago, Umahi had also accused Julius Berger of politicizing the project to damage the reputation of the current administration.

The ministry’s statement read in part, “Due to non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work, and refusal to remobilize to the site as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna, and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), effective today, 4th November 2024.”

The ministry added that despite 13 months of negotiations, the company failed to reach an agreement, with Julius Berger allegedly altering the Bills of Quantities and Engineering Measurements and Evaluation in a letter dated 29th October 2024. The company’s failure to attend a meeting with the ministry’s management on 4th November 2024 further led to the contract’s termination.

Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, has died following a brief illness.

The Chief Registrar of the Ekiti State Judiciary, Olanike Adegoke, confirmed his passing in a statement on Tuesday.

In a tribute, Michael Oba, the Public Relations Officer of the judiciary, conveyed Adegoke’s remarks honoring the late Chief Judge as “a distinguished jurist committed to the ideals of fairness, equity, and justice.”

Adegoke added, “The late Chief Judge’s contributions to the judiciary and Ekiti State are immeasurable. His legacy will be deeply missed.”

Born in 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi, Ekiti East Local Government Area, Justice Adeyeye was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. He was appointed Chief Judge of Ekiti State in October 2021 and served with dedication until his death.

Voting in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, concluded in a rare tie, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump receiving three votes each.

As the first town in the United States to report election results, Dixville Notch holds a symbolic role in the electoral process. The small community, with only six registered voters, has maintained the tradition of completing in-person voting shortly after midnight since 1960.

At midnight, voting commenced with an accordion rendition of the U.S. national anthem, setting a festive tone for the historic occasion. Residents gathered to cast their ballots, with the count completed just 15 minutes later.

The early results from Dixville Notch are typically watched closely as an indicator of voter sentiment, offering a first glimpse into the potential outcomes of the national election.

The Sokoto State Government has raised an alarm over the emergence of a new terrorist group in the state, identified as LAKURAWAS.

Deputy Governor Idris Gobir made the disclosure during a meeting with participants from Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study visit to Sokoto. Gobir explained that the group operates under a religious ideology and is armed with advanced weaponry.

“Our assessment indicates that LAKURAWAS is active in about five local government areas of the state,” he stated, expressing concern that the growing threat adds to the already serious issue of banditry in the region. He further noted that security agencies are working hard to combat this new challenge.

The Deputy Governor emphasized the ongoing collaboration between state and federal security forces to protect lives and property. He also outlined the various measures implemented by the state government to address the security situation and expressed optimism that insights from the National Defence College’s visit would aid in understanding the emerging threats and developing effective strategies for peace.

Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, who led the delegation, provided background on the National Defence College, describing it as Nigeria’s premier military institution since its establishment in 1992. He noted that the college has trained 2,982 graduates, including participants from 30 African and Asian countries, for high-level security responsibilities.

At the end of the visit, Dauda said the delegation would compile a report with their findings and recommendations for improving security in the state.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in state funds.

Okowa, who also served as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, was taken into custody on Monday at the Port Harcourt division of the EFCC. According to officials, the funds in question were part of the 13 percent derivation allocation designated for oil-producing states.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Okowa’s detention in a phone interview with The Gazette.

The former governor is accused of using his position to embezzle state funds and acquire assets worth N1.3 trillion. These assets allegedly include significant shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company, as well as other investments in the oil sector