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• September 3, 2025
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Pressure mounts on Wale Edun, Accountant-General to resign over unpaid 2024 contracts

The Coalition for Equity and Accountability in Public Finance, CEAPF, has demanded the immediate resignation of Finance Minister Wale Edun and Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, the Accountant-General of the Federation, alleging failure to pay contractors for projects duly captured in the 2024 budget and fully executed by local firms. In a statement on Wednesday, signed by
Pressure mounts on Wale Edun, Accountant-General to resign over unpaid 2024 contracts

The Coalition for Equity and Accountability in Public Finance, CEAPF, has demanded the immediate resignation of Finance Minister Wale Edun and Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, the Accountant-General of the Federation, alleging failure to pay contractors for projects duly captured in the 2024 budget and fully executed by local firms.

In a statement on Wednesday, signed by its President, Segun Daramola, and Secretary-General, Isaac Idachaba, the coalition said it would formally approach the National Assembly and lobby lawmakers across party lines to pass a vote of no confidence on the two officials if they refuse to vacate their offices voluntarily.

The statement read, “This is no longer a mere administrative delay; it is a calculated dereliction of duty. Contractors have completed projects backed by law, projects approved and funded under the 2024 Appropriation Act, yet they are left unpaid and forced into bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the Federal Government is executing and paying for projects not captured in either the 2024 or 2025 Appropriation Acts. This is unlawful, it is reckless, and it is unacceptable,” the statement reads.

The coalition said the contradictions point to a troubling pattern in the fiscal management of the country, where legal obligations are ignored while off-budget expenditures receive priority.

According to the group, this not only undermines transparency but also destroys confidence in the sanctity of the budget process.

“What we are witnessing is a distortion of governance itself. Appropriation is the foundation of democracy, the guarantee that public money is spent as authorised by the people through their representatives,” the group declared.

“If ministers and accountants can disregard this at will, then the National Assembly must rise up. It is the duty of lawmakers now to assert their authority by removing those who have so flagrantly undermined them.”

The coalition noted that contractors across the federation have complained of crippling debts, many of them having borrowed at exorbitant rates from commercial banks to deliver on government projects.

CEAPF said the neglect has created a chain reaction of economic distress, hitting small businesses, suppliers, and workers who depend on the contracting system for their livelihoods.

“Government contracts are supposed to stimulate the economy. Instead, under the stewardship of Mr. Wale Edun and the Accountant General, they have become instruments of ruin. Firms are collapsing, workers are being laid off, and banks are foreclosing on loans. This is economic sabotage by negligence,” the statement said.

The group argued that the crisis has become both a financial and moral issue, one that cannot be resolved by half-measures.

It insisted that resignation was the only honourable course left for the finance minister and the accountant general, stressing that anything less would amount to a “mockery of accountability”.

“Our democracy cannot survive on promises that are never kept. If a government can budget for projects, award them, certify them, and then refuse to pay while diverting resources to unbudgeted ventures, what message does it send to citizens and investors? It tells the world that Nigeria is lawless and that contracts mean nothing. That is why we must draw a line here.”

The coalition also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene decisively, saying his own reputation as a reformer was being called into question by the finance ministry’s failings.

“The President has spoken of fiscal discipline and reform. This is the moment to prove that those words have meaning. If his team members cannot carry out the most basic function of governance, honouring the budget and paying for executed contracts, then they must step aside for those who can,” the group declared.

Pressure mounts on Wale Edun, Accountant-General to resign over unpaid 2024 contracts

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• September 3, 2025
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Boko Haram blind to faith, attacks Muslims, Christians —Ali Ndume

The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, says Boko Haram terrorists are blind to faith, stressing that they attack Christians, Muslims as well as those who don’t believe in either of the two religions. The Senator urged Nigerians, particularly the media, to avoid the temptation of profiling victims of the terror gang’s atrocities
Boko Haram blind to faith, attacks Muslims, Christians —Ali Ndume

The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, says Boko Haram terrorists are blind to faith, stressing that they attack Christians, Muslims as well as those who don’t believe in either of the two religions.
The Senator urged Nigerians, particularly the media, to avoid the temptation of profiling victims of the terror gang’s atrocities and unite to defeat the insurgents.

Ndume made the appeal in a statement he issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Federal lawmaker was reacting to reports of weekend attacks in Ngoshe village, Gwoza Local Government Area and Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State.

DAILY POST recalls that in the two separate incidents, the insurgents killed five farmers in Ngoshe and Mussa villages over the weekend.

It was gathered that of those killed, two were Muslims in Ngoshe while the three killed in Mussa were Christians.

“It is unethical and unconscionable for any media outlet to drive the narrative that Christians are the targets of these attacks by the terror group in Borno, or anywhere in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.

“The forces behind these mindless killings are blind to faith and tribe. We should avoid this dangerous profiling which can distract us. It has the tendency of doing us more harm,” he said.

Boko Haram blind to faith, attacks Muslims, Christians —Ali Ndume

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• September 3, 2025
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Nigerian govt commences urgent repairs on Shagamu-Benin Bridge

The Federal Government has announced an emergency intervention on the damaged deck of the Benin-bound section of the Shagamu-Benin carriageway, assuring Nigerians of a swift and permanent fix. In a statement issued yesterday by Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, the ministry confirmed that engineers have already been deployed to the
Nigerian govt commences urgent repairs on Shagamu-Benin Bridge

The Federal Government has announced an emergency intervention on the damaged deck of the Benin-bound section of the Shagamu-Benin carriageway, assuring Nigerians of a swift and permanent fix.

In a statement issued yesterday by Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, the ministry confirmed that engineers have already been deployed to the site to oversee repairs.

“The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has directed the immediate mobilisation of engineers to the bridge located at the border between Edo and Ondo States along the Shagamu-Benin expressway,” the statement read.

According to the ministry, the bridge, which is a dual carriageway, recently developed a visible puncture on the Benin-bound span, one of its five decks.

“In line with the proactive measures of the Renewed Hope administration under President Bola Tinubu, urgent remedial works have commenced. Traffic is expected to resume within 45 days upon the completion and curing of the concrete works. A similar incident was recorded in the past on another span of the bridge, and it was swiftly repaired,” the ministry stated.

The damage, officials explained, was caused by natural wear and tear, as the bridge, originally constructed in 1981, has surpassed its design lifespan.

“The defect is age-related. Over time, bridges experience punctures, cracks, corrosion, or other forms of structural distress as a result of traffic pressure, weather conditions, and maintenance lapses,” the ministry noted.

Umahi assured that government is working on a more durable solution, which includes a full deck reconstruction using advanced engineering technology. The plan will extend to the two bridges situated within Ondo and Edo States.

He also apologised to motorists for the inconvenience and said the ministry will collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to ensure proper traffic management and minimise congestion throughout the repair period.

Nigerian govt commences urgent repairs on Shagamu-Benin Bridge

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• September 3, 2025
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Benue monarchs, stakeholders pledge loyalty to Gov Alia

Benue monarchs and political stakeholders from Gboko Local Government Area of the state have pledged their loyalty to Gov. Hyacinth Alia. They also reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty and support for his administration. The monarchs and political stakeholders stated this during a courtesy and solidarity visit to Gov. Alia at the Government House, Makurdi. Addressing journalists
Benue monarchs, stakeholders pledge loyalty to Gov Alia

Benue monarchs and political stakeholders from Gboko Local Government Area of the state have pledged their loyalty to Gov. Hyacinth Alia.

They also reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty and support for his administration.

The monarchs and political stakeholders stated this during a courtesy and solidarity visit to Gov. Alia at the Government House, Makurdi.

Addressing journalists after a closed-door session with the governor, Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Barr. Torseer Yina, said the visit was to demonstrate the collective resolve of the people of Gboko to stand firmly behind Governor Alia.

“We stakeholders from Gboko Local Government met with him to affirm and reaffirm our commitment to this administration.

We pledge 100% loyalty to the governor, to support him in what he is doing, what he is here to do, and what he will continue to do.”

He stressed that the delegation’s purpose was to throw their weight solidly behind the governor, adding:

“As far as Gboko Local Government is concerned, the governor is our own, he is our blood, and we are behind him 100%.”

Also speaking, the Ter Gboko, HRH Chief Gabriel Shosum, explained that the visit was not political but an expression of gratitude to the governor for his developmental strides, particularly in Gboko.

“We have come here to appreciate what our own governor has done for the past two years and what he is still doing.

He has embarked on numerous projects in Gboko. The underpass is about 99% completed, township roads are ongoing, and several primary schools now have modern structures that are almost completed.”

He further commended Governor Alia for giving political appointments to sons and daughters of Gboko, mentioning the appointment of Mr. Joseph Kwaghgba as Acting Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), and other key positions, including the recent swearing-in of commissioners.

Chief Shosum assured that the people of Gboko remain proud of the governor and will continue to support his vision for the development of Benue State.

Benue monarchs, stakeholders pledge loyalty to Gov Alia

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Tinubu: Lagos for Yoruba people – Bwala recants no-man’s comment

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has recanted his earlier remark that Lagos State is no-man’s land. Bwala explained that Lagos State belongs to the Yorubas historically and culturally. He had made the remark in an interview while reacting to a report that N2.9 trillion was spent on projects in
Tinubu: Lagos for Yoruba people – Bwala recants no-man’s comment

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has recanted his earlier remark that Lagos State is no-man’s land.

Bwala explained that Lagos State belongs to the Yorubas historically and culturally.

He had made the remark in an interview while reacting to a report that N2.9 trillion was spent on projects in Lagos State.

However, the presidential aide said his emphasis was that Lagos is unique, like New York, Paris, or London, which serve as the commercial nerve centers of their respective economies.

Posting on X, he wrote: “Culturally, historically, and constitutionally, Lagos belongs to the Yoruba people, and that has never been in contention.

“The unique identity of Lagos as a Yoruba homeland is settled and beyond dispute.

“What I emphasized was the special place Lagos occupies in Nigeria and indeed West Africa — a city that, much like New York, Paris, or London, serves as the commercial nerve center of our economy. Lagos provides every Nigerian, regardless of origin, a level playing field to thrive, and in this sense, it mirrors the diversity of our nation while remaining firmly rooted in Yoruba heritage.

“My argument was, therefore, and justifiably so, for massive investments in infrastructure to sustain the economic and social responsibilities Lagos has shouldered on behalf of Nigeria.

“Any President who truly seeks to succeed must critically support Lagos, not because it is ‘no man’s land,’ but because it is the heartbeat of the nation’s development. Res Judicata.”

Tinubu: Lagos for Yoruba people – Bwala recants no-man’s comment