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Otti commissions major roads in Umuahia for reconstruction

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Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, on Tuesday, commissioned the 4.32-kilometer Orpet-Umuafai-Lodu-Ahiaeke Road and the 3.79-kilometer Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road for reconstruction.

In a speech at the ceremony in Umuahia, Otti said that the roads form part of a broader effort to expand the Umuahia ecosystem, support local businesses, and create new economic opportunities.

“The successful completion of these roads will end the daily struggles of thousands of residents and businesses that depend on them.

“Farmers, traders, students, property developers, and transporters will all benefit from these projects, which will ease mobility and drive economic growth,” he said.

The governor also said that the Abia Urban Mass Transit Initiative, which aims to modernise public transportation in Umuahia and Aba would be launched soon.

He said that the scheme, driven by private sector operators, would introduce clean-energy-powered transit vehicles, reduce commuting costs, and improve passengers’ safety.

“Our goal is to seamlessly move tens of thousands of people across different parts of the state at minimal cost.

“The modern bus terminals and road networks under construction will provide the necessary infrastructure backbone for this transport system,” he said.

He assured residents of the capital town that the contractors handling the projects are expected to deliver the highest quality work, while minimising traffic disruptions and environmental impact.

Otti also said that he had directed the Ministry of Works to ensure strict supervision of the projects.

He further mandated the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, to assess the Ofeke-Ahiaeke-Ndume Road in the area for possible inclusion in the state’s infrastructure plans.

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“I know the road is not in the current budget, but we will approach the House of Assembly for either a virement or a supplementary budget to accommodate it,” the governor said.

He affirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Umuahia into a modern, functional city that caters to the aspirations of its residents.

He said that through strategic infrastructure development, the government aimed to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and enhance the quality of life for all Abians.

In separate speeches, the lawmaker representing Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency, Mr Obi Aguocha, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Okezie Meregini, commended the government for its commitment to infrastructure development.

According to them, these projects will play a crucial role in enhancing the socioeconomic development of the area by improving accessibility, boosting commercial activities, and attracting investment.

They also said that such initiatives had strengthened public confidence in the current administration’s commitment to good governance.

In an address, the commissioner for Works described the project as a “game-changer” that would mark the beginning of a new era of hope and progress.

He said that the roads, which had long posed serious challenge to commuters, particularly during the peak of the rainy season, would undergo full reconstruction to enhance accessibility and connectivity.

He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the residents of the area, including the loss of productive manhour and negative impact on economic activities.

The President-General of Ndume Otuka Federated, Chief John Onuiro, said that the government through the projects had placed itself on a steady path toward economic transformation and improved living standards for the residents.

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Onuiro thanked the government and urged it to continually evolve programmes and policies that would transform the state.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said that the road links key markets, agricultural institutions, hotels, and other business hubs in the city.

Chukwu emphasised that upon completion, the road would significantly boost economic activities in Umuahia.

Also, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North Constituency, Chief Collins Iheonunekwu, said that Otti’s administration had exceeded expectations in delivering key projects.

Iheonunekwu promised that the legislature remained committed to providing the necessary support for the administration’s developmental initiatives.

In separate interviews with newsmen, two traders at Umuahia Timber Industrial Market, Mr Raphael Ihefo and Mr Nnamdi Okwuazu, commended the governor for his determination to improve connectivity in the area.

They said that the deplorable state of the road made it difficult for trucks to move goods in and out of the market.

They also said that reconstructing the road would alleviate the sufferings of the people in the area and greatly impact businesses positively.

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President Tinubu Opens New Judges’ Residences, Hails Investment in Justice

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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and institutional reforms with the commissioning of a newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.

Speaking through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu described the project as a strategic investment in democratic governance and the rule of law.

He emphasized that judicial welfare and infrastructure are essential to strengthening independence, efficiency, and service delivery.

“This event is more than the unveiling of physical infrastructure; it is a tangible demonstration of the Federal Government’s enduring commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary,” Tinubu stated.

The President disclosed that additional land has been earmarked for future judicial projects, including facilities for the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal High Court, and the FCT High Court, noting that the area could soon be known as “Judiciary Boulevard.”

Tinubu commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for executing the project efficiently and urged state governments to emulate the Federal Government by investing in judicial infrastructure.

Wike, in his remarks, stressed that governors must take responsibility for federal judicial institutions within their states, citing his own experience in Rivers State where he facilitated the establishment of a National Industrial Court division.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, hailed the project as a milestone, noting that secure housing enhances judicial independence and protects officers from undue influence.

The estate, built by Details to Dots Development Nigeria Limited, comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters, an event centre, recreational facilities, paved roads, water and electricity systems, and a secured gatehouse.

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The commissioning follows the recent inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, underscoring Tinubu’s broader governance reforms through sustained investment in judicial infrastructure.

 

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Senate Cuts Recess Short for Emergency Session on Insecurity

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The Senate has summoned lawmakers for an emergency sitting on June 23 to deliberate on matters relating to national security and other urgent national issues.

In a notice dated June 15 and signed by Emmanuel Odo, clerk of the Senate, lawmakers were directed to reconvene at 11am in the Senate chamber.

The notice said the emergency sitting was convened at the instance of Godswill Akpabio, the senate president.

“The purpose of this emergency sitting is to enable the Senate consider matters of urgent national importance, particularly issues relating to national security and other critical concerns that require
immediate legislative attention,” the notice reads.

“The Senate deeply regrets any inconvenience that this emergency sitting may occasion.

“Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to make necessary arrangements to attend the sitting.”

The emergency session cuts short the senate’s recess. The upper legislative chamber had adjourned plenary on June 11 and was scheduled to
resume on July 7.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country, including recent attacks and incidents of abduction in several states.

On Monday, the house of representatives also reconvened for an emergency sitting to consider an amendment to the 2025 appropriation act extending the implementation period for the capital component of the budget from June 30 to September 30.

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Lagos Bus Driver Allegedly Beaten to Death by NAF Officers After Collision

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Joseph Okpe, a 43-year-old commercial bus driver, has died after allegedly being beaten by officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) along the Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos.

The incident happened on May 9, 2026 following a dispute over a traffic incident involving a vehicle belonging to the NAF officers.

According to Punch, Innocent Okpe, deceased’s brother, deposed
to an affidavit deposed at the high court of the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT) in the Maitama judicial division, over the matter.

In the affidavit, the deceased’s brother said Okpe was driving his commercial bus when he was accosted by NAF personnel travelling in a Coaster bus with registration number GO 1–14AF.

The officers allegedly accused him of hitting their vehicle and demanded N100,000 as compensation for the damage.

The officers were alleged to have started beating and punching the commercial bus driver’s face when could not provide the money.

Okpe, a father of three and a wife, was said to have nearly lost consciousness during the punching of his face by the NAF officers

The officers reportedly stopped the beating after passers-by and other commercial bus drivers intervened.

The passers-by were said to have offered N50,000 compensation to the NAF personnel.

According to the affidavit, Okpe was rushed to several hospitals where he was reportedly rejected after the NAF personnel left the scene and continued their journey.

A source told the publication that Okpe was eventually taken to Charing Cross Clinic in Mushin, Lagos, where he was pronounced dead at about 5pm.

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A medical certificate of cause of death signed by Okechukwu Ogboo, a medical doctor at Charing Cross Clinic, Mushin listed the primary cause of death as “severe head injury,” while the secondary cause was stated as
“pulmonary failure until his death”.

NAF SPEAKS

When TheCable reached out to Ehimen Ejodame, NAF
spokesperson, for enquiry over the matter, Ejodame said the airforce was
currently investigating the case.

Ejodame said the suspected NAF personnel involved in the
case were immediately taken to the custody.

“The Nigerian Air Force is aware of the reported incident and is deeply saddened by the loss of life,” the NAF spokesperson said.

“Upon receiving information on the matter, the personnel suspected to be involved were immediately taken into custody, and the case is currently under investigation by the appropriate civil and military authorities.

“The NAF has also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and visited them to express sympathy and support during this
difficult time.

“As investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to make further comments at this stage. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed
to due process, accountability and the rule of law.”

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I Prostrated for My Wife, She’s in Charge at Home – Actor Elesho

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Adewale Elesho, the ace Nigerian actor, has revealed that he regards his wife as the head of his household.

“My wife is my leader,” he said in an interview on African A-List.

The actor also disclosed that he prioritises his wife’s opinion in family matters, particularly when it involves extended relatives.

Elesho, popularly known as Baba Elesho, recounted a situation where his mother developed an eye problem and expressed discomfort while staying with one of his younger siblings. He said he decided to bring her to his home in Lagos.

The film star said when he got home, he went upstairs, prostrated for his wife and told her he had come with a visitor

“My mom had an eye problem and I brought her to my home. The day I went to carry her from my younger sibling’s house, she told me she wasn’t comfortable with where she was. So I brought her to Lagos,” he said.

“Despite the fact that she’s my mother, she is an emergency visitor. When I got home, I drove in. It was a Sunday, I went upstairs and went to prostrate for my wife and told her I had come with a visitor.

“She asked, who? I replied Alhaja. She asked what happened and I explain everything to her.”

He said he consulted his wife before bringing his mother inside because he sees her as the “owner of the home”.

“My wife said if it was her mother that was in that situation, she would also bring her home,” he said.

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“She then asked where she was. I said she is inside the car and I came to speak to her first because she had to be happy about it. She owns the home, and her reaction matters.”

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NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Over Contaminated Children’s Drug Recalled in US

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians against children’s ibuprofen oral Suspension, which was recalled in the United States.

In a post on X, NAFDAC said it received notification that the United States Food and Drug Administration had announced the recall of approximately 90,000 bottles of the drug due to the presence of foreign
material in the product.

NAFDAC said that Strides Pharma Inc initiated the recall after consumers complained of a “gel-like mass” and “black particles” in the oral suspension.

The agency said that the product was manufactured by Strides Pharma Inc. in India for Taro Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

NAFDAC said the affected batches are lot numbers 7261973A and 7261974A, with an expiry date of January 31, 2027.

The agency cautioned that the presence of foreign material in medicinal products could compromise their quality, safety, and effectiveness.

NAFDAC said administering contaminated oral suspensions may
result in adverse reactions among children, and could pose choking or
gastrointestinal risks depending on the nature of the contaminant.

The affected product is children’s ibuprofen oral suspension, USP, 100 mg/5 ml, packaged in 120 mL (4 fl. oz.) bottles, and were distributed nationwide in the US.

NAFDAC said although the affected products were distributed and recalled within the US, it is taking precautionary measures to prevent them
from entering Nigeria through authorised or unauthorised channels.

The agency said it had directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance activities and remove the products from circulation if found in their jurisdictions.

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“NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding public health and
will continue surveillance activities to ensure the quality, safety, and
efficacy of medicines circulating in Nigeria,” the agency said.

NAFDAC, however, urged importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and ensure that medical products are sourced only from authorised and licensed suppliers.

The agency noted that healthcare facilities should immediately inspect their inventories and quarantine any affected batches if identified.

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I’ll Dialogue With Gumi, Igboho and Others as President – Peter Obi

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Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said if elected as Nigerian President, he would negotiate with agitators from different parts of the country.

In an interview on Nevon News hosted by Rufai Oseni, Obi said he would sit down with the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi and Biafra agitators for negotiation.

He said, “When I’m elected, I will discuss with everybody. I’m not there to apportion blame on who is wrong or right.

“In solving this problem, I want to sit down with everybody and say, “let’s go this way”. As a president, I will sit down with people and talk, and you will see it.

“I did it as governor, I brought people, including traditional rulers, and talked with them”.

Asked what he would do if Gumi and others fail to listen to him, Obi said, “They will listen to me, they are in the problem. How can you call someone who is sick to come to the hospital, and he says he won’t come”?

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NDC Picks Kwankwaso’s Son as Deputy Guber Candidate in Kano

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Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, in Kano State.

Mustapha will be running alongside Aminu Gwarzo, who is the NDC governorship candidate.

Mustapha Kwankwaso is the first son of the NDC vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

This was confirmed by the Spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Habibu Saleh Mohammed, in a statement on Monday.

“HE Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo unveiled Hon Mustapha Rabiu Musa
Kwankwaso as running mate for the 2027 Governorship Election,” he said.

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Tinubu Hails Wike as ‘Mr Fix-It’ Over FCT Projects, Says He Knew He’d Deliver

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President Bola Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his swift execution of key projects in Abuja, describing him as “Mr Fix-It.”

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly built Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted Wike’s dedication and efficiency.

Tinubu noted that when he appointed Wike in May 2024, he was confident the minister would not “sleep” until the project was delivered.

By July of that year, contractors were already on site, and within 16 months the complex was completed without delays or cost variations

.“This is not just a building; it’s a statement under the Renewed Hope Agenda that justice must have a befitting home,” Tinubu said.

“For too long, the Abuja division operated from a cramped temporary space. Today, Nigerians can see the difference. Well done, Wike.”

The Court of Appeal complex, located in Dakibiu, is part of Tinubu’s third-anniversary achievements and underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law.

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Nigeria’s Defence Minister Blames Middle East, Ukraine Wars for Arms Shortage

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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd, has attributed the inability of Nigeria and other countries to procure military equipment needed to tackle insecurity to the ongoing conflicts
involving Israel, Iran, the United States, Russia and Ukraine.

General Musa equally decried the absence of a comprehensive national database, saying it was hindering the efforts of security agencies, particularly the police, in tracking criminals and preventing crimes.

The minister made the statement on Saturday while delivering a keynote address at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.

He noted that global conflicts had disrupted access to military hardware, making it imperative for Nigeria to strengthen local defence
production.

“With the war in Ukraine, Russia, Iran, the U.S. and Israel, it’s been extremely difficult getting equipment.

“Because most times, they do down payment because they have the money and they produce most of these items. So even when you go to get,
they have booked for them, and so it’s difficult.

“The only solution is for us to produce what we need,” he said.

He pleaded with the National Assembly to support the creation of a comprehensive database for Nigerians, describing it as critical
to effective policing and national security.

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