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The Senate Committee on Aviation has faulted the report of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on the July 13, 2025 runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport, involving Air Peace airline.

The NSIB’s interim report had blamed the runway overrun on drug use by the Air Peace pilots, a development it said affected the eventual landing judgment of the captain.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo-North), told Senate Correspondents on Thursday that the committee, after reviewing the report, found ‘serious inconsistencies and uncoordinated findings’ that could further soil the image of the country before global aviation industry regulators.

The panel held a one-day investigative hearing into the incident on Thursday, which was attended by key stakeholders, including the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Airlines Operators Association of Nigeria; and the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema.

The hearing also looked more generally at aviation safety in the country and how to improve on existing services to boost the confidence of air travellers.

According to Buhari, the NSIB’s interim report was ‘riddled with contradictions’, especially when it first accused several Air Peace crew members of drug use but later reduced the fighter to two.

The senator stated, ‘You can see that, unfortunately, most of those allegations are not true.

‘The report was disjointed and not coordinated. You don’t accuse people wrongly, especially in aviation, where ICAO and other international laboratories are monitoring us closely.’

The chairman then praised the airline and other local operators for sustenance of internal safety checks and conducting random testing of their pilots and staff, adding what the country ought to do was to ‘encourage rather than destroy’ the indigenous initiatives.

He went on, ‘Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines are our own. We need to support them, not damage their reputation with unverified claims.

‘The most important thing is that no lives were lost, and the aircraft was not damaged. It was towed and later flown back safely to Lagos.’

The committee, he said, would recommend measures to strengthen the quality of aviation investigations in Nigeria for the primary purpose of enhancing safety.

Buhari hinted at a new bill requiring all federal agencies and government officials to travel by Nigerian airlines as part of the efforts to promote their growth and expansion.

Onyema had earlier addressed the committee where he raised concern that the NSIB’s report and the public response blaming Air Peace did not do good to the airline and the country’s international image.

He said, ‘I initially did not want to honour this invitation.But on second thought, I came because the Senate members are our customers, and they have every right to be concerned about safety. I must, however, correct certain impressions created by the NSIB’s handling of this matter.’

He clarified that the Air Peace aircraft involved in the incident suffered no mechanical fault or damage, and that the runway excursion was a result of human error.

Onyema spoke more, ‘The aircraft in question had no single damage. It flew back to Lagos the same day.

‘The pilot has flown for nearly 40 years, one of the most experienced in our fleet. He simply had a bad day. Unfortunately, the early report created confusion that made it appear as if the aircraft was faulty or the pilots were intoxicated.’

The CEO informed the committee that Air Peace maintains a self-regulating culture stricter than many foreign airlines, often grounding entire fleets for review when an anomaly is detected.

‘I once grounded eight aircraft in a single day after discovering that a maintenance planner made a mistake on one of our ERJ planes.

‘We could have hidden it, but we reported it ourselves to the NCAA. That is how seriously we take safety’, he added.

However, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, had cautioned against divulging sensitive information on the outcome of the NSIB’s report, which the minister said was not yet concluded.

He noted that an interim report could be used as the basis for any final position on the investigation into the incident.

‘Divulging information that may jeopardise the final outcome of the report in the eyes of the international community’, he told the panel, adding that he would have preferred the panel tarried awhile for the full report.

Nigeria on Wednesday formally adopted the African Fashion Renaissance initiative known as Afroliganza, aimed at building a structured, value-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage and positioned for global impact.

Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, who signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of Nigeria in Abuja, noted that the country is positioned at the forefront of frameworks under Afroliganza and the Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) Charter, projected to exceed $500 billion.

Barrister Musawa, who expressed delight over the initiative pioneered by the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to translating vision into measurable outcomes through institutions, policies, and programmes that drive tangible results.

‘It aims to grow Africa’s fashion economy from approximately $30 billion to $500 billion through structured investment, industrial development, and creative enterprise. It will serve as the principal body for fashion diplomacy, positioning African fashion as a tool for cultural exchange, soft power, and economic cooperation.

It will establish continental standards and policies that protect intellectual property and safeguard traditional designs. It will coordinate the African Global Fashion Games and other flagship events that showcase Africa’s creativity and unity. It will also support the creation and sustainability of national fashion federations in all African countries, ensuring alignment with CAFA’s continental strategy.

Through these objectives, CAFA stands as both a policy institution and a cultural movement that shapes Africa’s creative and economic destiny. The African fashion economy stands at a defining moment.’

According to Musawa, recent studies show that Africa exports textiles, cotton, apparel, and footwear valued at roughly $15.5 billion annually, while imports total about $23.1 billion. With global demand for African couture and textiles rising by over 40 percent, the potential for growth remains significant.

In his address, Chairman of the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation and President of CAFA, Dr. Balogun Lai Labode, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its leadership and partnership, noting that Nigeria will become the first nation to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter. He said the adoption marks a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to leading Africa’s fashion renaissance.

Dr. Labode explained that CAFA will play a crucial role in mobilizing policy, investment, and expertise to transform Africa’s fashion industry.

‘Africa’s current fashion and textile industry is measured in the tens of billions of dollars, with estimates ranging from $30-$65 billion, and much of that value is lost to imports and limited local processing,’ he said, citing the African Development Bank (AfDB, 2023).

Highlighting the export-import imbalance, he added, ‘With Africa exporting over $10 billion worth of cotton-made products and importing over $20 billion worth of cotton-made materials, the mismatch presents a significant opportunity for growth. That is why a major goal of the Afroliganza movement is to grow the African fashion economy to $500 billion within the next 10 years.’

He added that CAFA will serve as the home of the African Global Fashion Games (AGFG) and mobilize public and private capital to expand local processing, modernize textile mills, and scale manufacturing to retain a greater share of value within Africa.

Egbaliganza 2026 is scheduled to hold in March next year, with 50 countries expected to participate as a proof of concept for Afroliganza, alongside national fashion festivals. The maiden edition of the African Global Fashion Games is planned for Abuja and Egypt in 2027, aligned with FESTAC at 50, where African countries will compete and showcase their creativity.

The event was attended by ambassadors from China, Botswana, Uganda, India, Korea, Tunisia, and Liberia, as well as management staff of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation.

Kaduna State is set to host the pilot phase of the landmark Nigeria-China Poultry Project, a transformative agricultural investment expected to generate over $450 million in revenue and create more than 350,000 jobs.

Governor Uba Sani disclosed this on Wednesday when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, and the leadership of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP). The high-level engagement focused on deepening bilateral collaboration in agriculture and investment between Kaduna State and the People’s Republic of China.

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Sani described the visit as ‘not merely another diplomatic courtesy, but a defining stride’ in Kaduna’s mission to attract transformative partnerships that will reinforce its position as a continental hub for agricultural and industrial excellence.

He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for selecting Kaduna as the pilot state for the project, describing the choice as a testament to the state’s leadership in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

‘With agriculture contributing 43 per cent to our GDP and employing more than 60 per cent of our citizens, this partnership will accelerate our pursuit of higher productivity, sustainable growth, food security, and broad-based prosperity,’ Governor Uba Sani stated.

Ambassador Yu Dunhai commended the remarkable progress unfolding across Kaduna and lauded the state government’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for global investors. He noted that Kaduna’s stability and forward-looking policies have positioned it as a preferred destination for major development partners.

The Director-General of the NCSP, Mr Joseph Tegbe, also praised the state’s commitment, reflected in the swift approval and allocation of over 7,000 hectares of land for the immediate take-off of the project.

Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, the Nigeria-China Poultry Project will be executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in partnership with the Chinese Government and the Kaduna State Government. The Construction of the project is scheduled to commence in December this year.

The project will cover 10,000 hectares, encompassing maize and soybean cultivation to support feedstock production, and is projected to create 50,000 direct jobs and over 300,000 indirect employment opportunities across the value chain.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnerships that deliver inclusive economic growth, enhance food security, and position Kaduna as the agricultural heart of Nigeria.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Wednesday, received the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Polling Units Agents Forum, Jigawa State chapter, calling on them to strengthen grassroots support for President Tinubu.

He stated this while receiving members of the Forum who paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja.

In a statement issued by the PA on Media and Publicity to the Minister on Thursday said the minister thanked the Forum for their visit and recognition, reaffirming his total loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the forum to intensify grassroots mobilisation, promote unity within the party, and strengthen public confidence in the administration’s efforts to deliver peace, prosperity, and inclusive development for Nigerians under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Earlier, the delegation, which was led by Comrade Abubakar Mohammed Gumel, presented a Commendation Plaque to the Minister in recognition of his loyalty, service, and contributions to the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his remarks, the Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the bold reforms driving national renewal, unity, and economic recovery.

They acknowledged the Minister’s support in advancing the President’s security and development priorities, and his steadfast commitment to the APC’s ideals of accountability, discipline, and good governance.

The first prosecution witness (PW1) in the ongoing trial of the immediate past governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku and one other, Ismail Oluwadamilare Lawal, on Thursday, told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that he dealt with some Taraba State government officials strictly on instructions from the former governor.

Ishaku and a former permanent secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Bello Yero, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Sylvanus Oriji, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, in the charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/792/2024, on a 15-count charge, bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds to the tune of N27billion.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

At the resumed hearing in the case today, the PW1, Ismail Oluwadamilare Lawal, while being cross-examined by the counsel for Yero, Adeola Adedipe SAN, told the court that he collected monies from some Taraba State government officials, including the second defendant, on the instructions of the former governor.

According to Lawal, who served as a personal assistant to former governor Ishaku, the other officials included Chindo Audu; Galiya Godiya; Hazel Bala; Joel Gilenya; Taiwo Jones, John Columbia and Emmanuel Efun.

He told the court that he neither has any personal business with any one of the officials, including Yero, nor had the power to deal with them in his private capacity.

‘They were giving me the money on the instructions of His Excellency (Ishaku) to deliver to him. I don’t know where the money they were giving me was coming from,’ the PW1 said.

Asked if he knew the purpose of the N40million he wrote in his notebook, tendered as an exhibit before the court that he collected from Yero, Lawal said he did not know the purpose but only collected it on the instruction of the former governor.

‘I don’t have any personal business with him; I only dealt with him based on instruction,’ Lawal told the court.

He confirmed that one Jacklyn opened an account for him with Zenith bank to collect money from Taraba State government officials, adding that all the officials were under instructions from the first defendant.

Earlier, while answering questions from counsel for Ishaku, Eko Ejembi SAN, Lawal told the court that Taraba State is one of the states suffering from insurgency and insecurity for over 20 years, adding that he did not know if the annual security vote of the former governor was over N1billion.

He denied knowledge of two Access Bank accounts opened in his name, saying, ‘The Access Bank accounts are not known to me. That is my name, Ismail Oluwadamilare Lawal, but I don’t know about the accounts.’

He further informed the court that he was investigated by EFCC sometime in 2020, adding that his accounts with Zenith Bank were used by the commission in the course of its investigations.

The PW1 told the court that he could not remember if there was any property at Brains and Hammers was involved in the EFCC investigation.

Meanwhile, Justice Oriji rejected the November 12, 2020 judgment of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court sought to be tendered by Ejembi from the bar through the witness.

While ruling on the grounds that there was no nexus established between the witness and the judgment, the court held that the document could only be tendered during cross-examination when a nexus has been established between the witness and the document.

The judge added that the PW1 was not shown the document to establish a link between him and the document. He subsequently marked the document as rejected.

The judge rejected the document following an objection to its admissibility by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, arguing that the PW1 was not a party in the suit and did not know anything about the case.

Ejembi, on his part, argued that the document was relevant to the current case as the property listed in the judgment is the same issue in Count 14 of the 15-count charge before the court.

After the completion of the cross-examination of the PW1, Justice Oriji adjourned the case to December 8 for continuation of the hearing.

Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has assured the International community of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment towards the implementation of bold reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, enhancing investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Shanghai, China, Speaker Tajudeen said the Nigerian National Assembly is working assiduously to back the reforms through strong legislation.

He said: ‘These reforms, backed by strong legislative support, are creating opportunities for innovation and local production. The National Assembly has advanced key bills to support this vision, including legislation mandating a minimum of 30 per cent local value addition before export and reforms to make the Nigeria Export-Import Bank more responsive to exporters’ needs.

‘These measures are designed to help Nigerian businesses take full advantage of platforms such as the China International Import Expo.’

Speaker Tajudeen also noted that the Nigerian Parliament plays an important role in strengthening the country’s relationship with China, saying under his leadership, the 10th House established the Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, which has become a model for legislative diplomacy and cooperation.

‘Through this platform, our two parliaments regularly engage to promote trade, technology, and cultural exchange. In the past year, we have welcomed high-level delegations from China, including Mr Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and Mr Hu Chunhua, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

‘These exchanges have produced a framework for sustained legislative collaboration and deepened the institutional foundations of our partnership.’

Speaking on the trade volume between China and Africa, the Speaker said: ‘In the first eight months of 2025 alone, China-Africa trade reached 222.05 billion dollars, representing a 15.4 per cent increase from the previous year.

‘For Nigeria, China remains our largest trading partner, with deep investments in critical sectors such as transport, telecommunications, energy, and manufacturing. Yet, we recognise that trade must be mutually beneficial.

‘We must move beyond a structure in which Africa exports raw materials and imports finished goods toward a partnership that prioritises industrialisation, technology transfer, and value addition.’

On the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States President Donald Trump, the Speaker said, ‘We affirm that freedom of religion and belief is protected under our Constitution and emphasise the need for direct engagement with the U.S. government to communicate Nigeria’s position through dialogue.’

He added: ‘I call on the United States to work with Nigeria as we tackle the real causes of tension, including poverty, exclusion, and insecurity. We can only make real progress by working honestly and collaboratively. Together, we must strengthen peace, promote democracy, and create a fairer and more stable world.’

Speaker Tajudeen added that following the CIIE, ‘we must also confront the broader question of balance in global trade. True prosperity will only come when every nation, large or small, has a fair chance to grow and compete.

‘For Nigeria, achieving this balance means developing our industrial base, strengthening infrastructure, and improving market access for our finished products. We call on our partners, including China, to continue supporting African economies through technology transfer, investment in processing industries, and fair trade policies that reward productivity and innovation.’

He said that as the Nigeria-China relationship has matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership rooted in trust and shared aspiration, the National Assembly will continue to enact laws and support policies that make the cooperation more productive, balanced, and sustainable.

Former lawmaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who represented Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 2, Dr Waripamo-owei Dudafa, has appealed to Bayelsans to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying it will make the state more prosperous.

Dudafa, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, who made this appeal in a statement issued in Yenagoa, also called on Bayelsans to work with the Senator Douye Diri-led government to achieve accelerated development.

Dudafa described the defection of the governor of the state, Senator Diri, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a well-considered move, assuring that it will bring greater political inclusion for the state from the Federal Government.

He said, ‘Your decision to work in harmony with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in synergy with your Assured Prosperity vision, will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.

‘Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent, to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes.

‘That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration.’

Dudafa reaffirmed his continued loyalty and support for the governor, assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity and progress in the state.

‘We shall continue to stand by your leadership and lend our support to ensure that you finish strong. Your political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future,’ he added.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) seeking to nullify the judgment of the High Court stopping the prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Aiteo Group, Mr. Benedict Peters.

Other appellants in the appeal Numbered, CA/CV/71/2022, are the British National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), while the respondents are Benedict Peters, Colinwood Ltd and Rosewood Investment.

A panel of the appellate court presided by Justice Oye Oyewumi with Justice Okon Abang, reserved judgment to a date that would be communicated to parties after counsel adopted their brief of arguments for and against the appeal.

The appeal is against the judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which quashed all allegations bothering on corruption, bribery and money laundering, brought against Aiteo boss and international billionaire businessman, Benedict Peters by the British and Nigerian agencies, arising from his ownership of a number of properties.

The trial Judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi held that the EFCC founded its case mainly on an undated and unsigned document that bore no name of its alleged maker, titled, ‘Highly Confidential Attorney Work’, allegedly issued by one Donald Chidi Amangbo.

The court consequently awarded the sum of N200 million damages jointly and severally against the anti-graft agency and the then AGF, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and five others, in favour of Mr Benedict Peters and the three companies.

The court held that, ‘It is hereby declared that the defendants, by fraudulent design, suppressed and misrepresented facts in supposition that the claimants’ properties, legitimately acquired, belonged to Mrs Deziani Alison Madueke, former Minister of Petroleum in Nigeria, and/or were unlawfully acquired, a fact they knew or ought to know were false, incorrect and baseless, constitute the tort of carousel fraud’.

The suit marked FCT/HC/CV/0536/17, was filed on behalf of the Plaintiffs by Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN, Chief Andrew Oru, Chief Nobis Elendu, and a crack team of other lawyers, on May 11, 2017, with an amended statement of claim filed on 31st January 31, 2019. Suleiman Jibrin, represented the EFCC and 6 others, while Farouk Abdullah led others to represent the AGF.

The trial court, condemned the, ‘deceitful sham allegations by the defendants’; and held that ‘the unlawful means of conspiracy of the defendants was to extract by intimidation, coercion, the assets, properties and monies to which the claimants are legitimately entitled.’

The claimants had, in the suit claimed against the defendants, the sum of $5 billion USD (equivalent of N1.5 trillion at the then exchange rate of 315 to one US Dollar), for the tort of carousel fraud. In the judgment, the court deprecated the defendants’ actions in fraudulently misrepresenting and facts in support of their false claims that the properties belonging to the Plaintiffs (Benedict Peters, Collinwood Ltd, Rosewood Investments Ltd and and Walworth Properties Ltd), which had been legitimately acquired, belonged to Mrs Deziani Alison Madueke, and were thus, allegedly unlawfully acquired.

The properties which belongs to the plaintiffs, but falsely and wrongfully alleged to belong to Diezani Alison Madueke were, ‘270-17 Street, Unit #4204, Atlanta, Georgia; Flat 5 Parkview, 83-86 Prince Albert Road, St. John’s Wood, London; Flat 58 Harley House Marylebone, London; and, Apartments 4 and 5, Arlington Road, London.’

The people of Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have supported the acquisition of more lands for the expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Science (DUFUHS) in the community.

In a communiqué signed by leaders of the host community, HRH Lazarus Umahi, Chief Shedrack Onu and Chief Odi Nicholas Enyi, the community said the expansion of the university was a collective agreement of the host community, which was endorsed by the Uburu traditional rulers council.

The community absolved the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of land grabbing in the expansion process and dismissed a petition against him by some persons in the area.

The leaders described the use of the community name in the petition by the petitioners as totally unacceptable and warned against further use of the Uburu name by the petitioners, who they said never mean well for the progress of the area.

‘The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU), is a collective initiative of Ndi Uburu, conceived and endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Council, the council, chaired by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze declared that Sen. Umahi is hereby fully exonerated of all allegations regarding the land processes.

‘The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU), is a collective initiative of Ndi Uburu, conceived and endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Council, the council, chaired by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze declared that Sen. Umahi is hereby fully exonerated of all allegations regarding the land processes.

‘The DUFUHSU land expansion committee, tasked with overseeing the land acquisition, provided a detailed rejoinder to set the record straight.

‘The committee, led by Coordinator Dr Umezurike Daniel and Secretary Mr Odi Nicholas Enyi, explained that the university’s governing council had formally requested additional land for expansion, as the institution currently occupies less than 20 hectares.

‘The committee outlined its transparent and inclusive terms of reference, which included: conducting community-wide awareness, identifying and engaging affected landowners, obtaining consent and signatures from all affected families, and facilitating compensation for every verified landowner.

‘All these steps were duly followed. The Committee’s work covered 29 identified landowners, all of whom received compensation and gave written consent. At no point did Sen. David Umahi or any government official engage in land grabbing, intimidation, or a threat to life.

‘We vehemently condemn the actions of a few individuals who seek to exploit the name of Umuchima village to foment division and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of David Umahi.

‘All community groups affirmed their total support for the DUFUHSU expansion. It is a vital community project that has brought pride, jobs, and sustainable progress,’ the community stated.

The Benue office of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group 2027 and some other structures were on Thursday demolished by officials of the state Urban Development Board.

The Director General of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group 2027, Dr Aker Kpev, told newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi that officials of the Benue State Urban Development Board carried out the exercise.

According to him, the incident is already reported to the relevant authorities, adding that a proper investigation would be conducted into the matter to ascertain the real reason behind it.

Meanwhile the state government has reacted to the claim, saying that the ongoing demolition exercise along the Wurukum-Yaikyor-Apir-Ikpayongo axis of Makurdi was for the dualisation of Makurdi/Enugu Road.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula.

Kula said that the demolitions are supervised by government officials adding that the exercise was not limited to Makurdi, adding that dualisation extends from Makurdi to the Benue-Enugu boundary, while the Enugu State Government would continue from its boundary to the termination point of the project.

Terso said the government, through the relevant agencies, conducted a thorough assessment on all affected structures affected by the dualisation project.

He explained that owners of legitimate buildings with proper approvals have been duly compensated in accordance with laid-down procedures.

‘However, those whose properties lacked approval or were illegally erected on government right of way were duly notified and directed to vacate, as such structures contravene town planning regulations and pose a danger to the integrity of the road expansion work.

‘It is therefore mischievous and deceitful for anyone whose property has been marked for lawful demolition to attempt to politicise the process by repainting, mounting billboards or posting the image or name of any leader on such structures in an attempt to stir sentiment or blackmail the government.

‘We therefore urge the public to disregard the false narratives being circulated by merchants of deceit and divisive politics.

‘The ongoing demolitions are not acts of victimisation but necessary steps toward modernisation and the infrastructural renewal of our dear state.

‘Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of distortion and political mischief. We appeal to well-meaning citizens to see the bigger picture: that this project, once completed, will bring immense benefit to the people of Benue and Nigeria at large,’ the statement read in part.