President Trump warns Buhari over killing of Christians in Nigeria

President of the United States of America (USA), Donald Trump, has told President Muhammau Buhari that his country will not accept the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

Trump made this clear while playing host to Buhari at the White House on Monday.

“We have had very serious problems with Christians who are being murdered in Nigeria, we are going to be working on that problem very, very hard because we cannot allow that to happen,” Trump said.

Buhari promised that his administration was working hard to address the menace, especially in the North West of the country.

He also thanked the US government for approving the sale of military hardware to Nigeria. - Daily Post

UNICEF: 4.3 million Nigerian children don’t benefit from vaccinations every year

The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says about 4.3 million children do not benefit from vaccinations every year.

Mohamed Malick Fall, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, made this known in a statement on Monday.

He said the recent multiple indicator cluster survey conducted by Nigeria government in 2016/17 shows that only one in four children in the country receive all the recommended vaccines.

He said immunisation coverage for pentavalent vaccine between the 36 states varies dramatically from 80 percent in Lagos to three percent in Sokoto and is still below the recommended global goal of 90 percent.

Fall disclosed that children who have never been vaccinated are at the greatest risk of contracting diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and tetanus, which may be fatal or lead to long-term debilitating effects on survivors.

According to him, poverty, overcrowding, poor hygiene and sanitation as well as insufficient nutrition and healthcare increase the risk of diseases such as pneumonia and measles; diseases that are easily preventable with vaccines.

Fall said: “Nigeria has made great strides in reducing deaths of under 5-year-old children from 158 to 120 per 1,000 births between 2011 and 2016. Yet, during the same period, the coverage of the main vaccines offered through routine immunisation has declined.

“All girls and boys, no matter where they live or what their situations are, have the right to survive and thrive, safe from deadly diseases.

“Vaccination acts as a shield, keeping families and communities safe. By vaccinating children, we are protecting the most vulnerable members of the communities.”

Fall said millions of lives can be saved by extending basic health services, like routine immunisation to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

He said the Nigerian government has developed an ambitious 10-year national immunisation and primary health care systems strengthening plan that aims to reverse the current negative trends.

“Immunisation is one of the most powerful and most cost-effective health interventions,” he said.

“UNICEF and its partners continue to stand firm with the government to ensure that the lives of children are protected.” - Cable Nigeria

Beware of Naija police !! ‘Policemen’ kidnap, extort businessman in broad daylight

A Benin City based businessman, Uche Ezedike on Monday relived his horrible encounter with some patrol policemen at Onitsha, Anambra State, who kidnapped, extorted him of N130,000.

Ezedike said the policemen, numbering about five, had stopped his vehicle around 11:30am at Upper Iweka Bridge, while he and his younger brother were returning to Edo State from their home town in Imo.

Ezedike said the policemen, who were not fully kitted, flagged down their vehicle, asked where they were headed and where they were coming from, which he answered courteously.

He said: “I told them we were returning to Benin City from Imo State. One of them demanded to search my boot, which he did and found just our clothes and shoes. “He then asked my occupation and I told him that I am a businessman and that I sell tyres. He said I was lying that I looked like a fraudster and instantly pointed a gun at me and pushed me into my car.

“He called one of his colleagues to point a gun too at my younger brother, who was on the steering and demanded the car key from my brother. They dragged my younger brother to the back seat, handcuffed us together and sped off into Onitsha town.

“While one of them took over the steering, the other pointed a gun at my brother and I, who were already handcuffed. The man driving drove for almost 10 minutes. I asked where we were going but he shut me up that I will know when we got to the destination.

“I became afraid and asked him why he was not taking us to the police station. I was begging them and my younger brother was crying. The driver later stopped on a very lonely road and demanded that I pay them N1,000,000. I told him that I do not have. I continued to beg them and told them that I was rushing to see my pregnant wife, who was to undergo surgery to remove fibroid that was growing alongside the baby in her womb.

“They threatened to kill my younger brother at the spot if I did not give them the money they asked for. The threat was much that I had to beg them to allow me call my family or friends. They allowed me access to my phone and asked that I put it on speaker, which I did.

“I called a friend for money, who asked me what was happening but I could not tell him because the one at the back was pointing his gun directly at me. My friend said he had only N30,000. I then called my wife and asked her for money but did not tell her what was happening. She said the only money with her was the money I gave her as deposit for the surgery.

“The amount was N116,000 in her account, they demanded the money be transferred including the one from my friend. I asked how and one of them said he would call for account. He called and it was a woman’s voice. An account number was sent through his phone and I gave it to my wife through my brother’s Whatsapp. I also sent the account number to my friend.

“My friend’s N30,000 transfer came in first and within five minutes my wife transferred N100,000 into the same account they gave. Within five minutes again, the woman called and told them she has received alerts

“They told me that God has saved my brother and I. The one at the steering drove off again and after five minutes, I saw an expressway and they showed us how to go to Benin. They stopped, removed the handcuff and asked my brother to drive off immediately. It was like a dream to me and I imagined what other people might have passed through.”

Contacted, spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, Nkiru Nwude appealed to the victim to report officially at the police division where the incident occurred so that an investigation can commence.

Nwude said: “I am not aware of this case. I do not think it was officially reported at a police station. It is an allegation and it would be wrong for me to say the culprits are policemen or not. But I can tell you that cases of indiscipline by our operatives have reduced since Commissioner of Police Garba Umar took over.

:The best thing at the moment is for the victims to report officially so that investigation can commence. Since there was a bank transaction, tracking the culprits would be a lot easier.” - The Nation

Jungle republic !!! ‘60,000 killed’ in middle belt violence since 2001

A coalition of civil society groups says at least 60,000 people have been killed in the middle belt region since 2001.

Addressing reporters in Abuja on Monday, the coalition said while over 600 people had been killed, more than  160,000 people have been displaced in Benue state alone between January and February this year.

“The African centre for strategic studies estimates that over 60,000 have been killed in this rising violence in the middle belt, representing a yearly average of over 3,500 killed,” said Abiodun Baiyewu-Teru, director of Global Rights Nigeria.

“There has been no accountability for these killings. Instead, they seem to have been accompanied by impunity. In response to these killings, government has offered excuses.

“Earlier in the year, the defence minister appeared to justify the killings, blaming them on interference with traditional grazing routes or adoption of laws in some states outlawing open-grazing. Such explanations are disingenuous, disreputable and disgraceful.”

The coalition also accused the political class of turning their backs to affected communities and instead “focusing on political campaigns” and election preparations in defiance of the 1999 constitution that guarantees protection for all Nigerians.

The coalition resolved to establish a Nigerian CSO crisis action on the middle belt to explore collaborative and complementary options for constructive action on the crisis on the crisis of mass killings in the region. - Cable Nigeria

Terrorism : 2 killed, six others injured in herdsmen attack in Delta communities

Fresh attack on residents in Onocha-Olona in Aniocha-North Local Government Area of Delta State by rampaging Fulani herdsmen has claimed the lives of two persons in the area, and left six others severely injured in Ubulu-Uku community Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.

DAILY POST reliably gathered that the victims, Emmanuel Nwanyi, Joseph Obada and Julius Nwandike were attacked in their farm lands in Olona community by the herdsmen after a minor disagreement over the destruction of the farm crops allegedly by their cattle.

Sources said the herdsmen allegedly killed the two farmers with their daggers, and left them in a pool of their blood on Saturday evening till the following day their corpses were found.

The state police commissioner, Mr. Mahammed Mustafa confirmed that three suspects were arrested, and are currently being detained at the state CID for further investigation.

He told DAILY POST: “We have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of the two farmers in Olona, they (suspects) are currently being detained for further investigation”.

He disclosed that the police have commenced 24 hours patrol in the community with a view to bringing the hoodlums to book.

An elder statesman in the community, Chief Chume Odiaka told DAILY POST “Our women don’t go to the farm alone for the fear of these Fulani herdsmen, during nigh fall, we cannot be seen outside our houses, they have taken over the community and our farm lands”.

Meanwhile, the state police command has confirmed the attack on residents of Ubulu-uku community, adding that six persons were severely injured in the attack perpetrated by the Fulani herdsmen.

The Police Image Maker in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka who spoke to DAILY POST said; “The Fulani herdsmen attacked residents of Ubulu-Uku on Thursday evening, and injured six persons, we are investigating the incident, and we have arrested two suspects”. - Daily Post

Lloris showed why he's world class - Tottenham boss, Pochettino

Hugo Lloris demonstrated why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Tottenham's 2-0 Premier League win over Watford, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane, who marked his 150th Premier League appearance by finding the net, ensured a routine victory for Spurs, but they were unconvincing for long periods.

A pair of first-half saves from captain Lloris prevented Watford from equalising following Alli's opener, Andre Gray and Richarlison denied by the France international.

Tottenham are now five points ahead of Chelsea with three games to play in the race for the final Champions League qualification place.

And Pochettino told Sky Sports: "I think it was a good night for us. It was important to get the three points as it allows us to be in a good position.

"It was a must-win game - so important for us. Perhaps we did not play in the way we wanted but got three points.

"During the whole season, 10 months, it is hard to keep playing good football. Watford are a difficult opponent, they played well, created great chances.

"Hugo Lloris was fantastic and showed why he is one of the best in the world. I am happy, three points puts us in a good position."

The game was Tottenham's first since their FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United, which condemned them to a trophy-less season.

"The team came back from a difficult loss. They were disappointed after Manchester United," Pochettino added. "Watford were free to play, no pressure, they are safe, for us it is a massive pressure to take three points.

"Three games ahead, I think we are in a good situation. To win the games and finish in the top four for the first time [consecutively] would be great for the club."

Kane is now just four goals behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in the race for the golden boot, his effort taking him on to 27 in the league this campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I feel good. I'd like to have played better in the last few games, same as the team, but I feel good, feel sharp and could have scored more. Hopefully I can finish strong like I did last season going into a big summer.

"I try to improve every year. Last year I got 29 goals so I'd like to beat that but we'll see what happens. In my mind I'm trying to get to that 30 mark." - Goal

Toronto Restaurant ordered to pay £5,600 after asking black customers to prepay for their meal

A Chinese restaurant in Toronto has been ordered to pay a black man more than £5,660 ($10,000 CA) in compensation for a rights violation after requiring him to prepay for a meal.

Emile Wickham, 31, and his three companions were the only diners in Hong Shing restaurant, downtown Toronto, to pay their bill before eating when they visited the eatery in May 2014.

Mr Wickham had been celebrating his birthday at the popular establishment just east of Toronto’s Chinatown.

The server told the group they would need to pay for their meals in full before receiving them after taking their order, according to testimony provided by Mr Wickham at an April tribunal hearing.

They questioned the server, who explained it was restaurant policy, and they obliged.

Realising he and his friends were the only black people in the restaurant, Mr Wickham approached other diners to ask them if they had been required to prepay for their meals and they all said no.

Mr Wickham and his friends questioned the server once again, who admitted that the three men were the only ones who had prepaid.

The server and another staff member asked Mr Wickham and his friends if they wanted a refund, so the group took their money and left the restaurant. 

Adjudicator Esi Codjoe of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal concluded that restaurant staff had violated section one of the province’s human rights code by treating Mr Wickham and his friends as potential thieves.

She wrote: “His mere presence as a Black man in a restaurant was presumed to be sufficient evidence of his presumed propensity to engage in criminal behaviour.

“At its core racial profiling is a form of short hand that enables the perpetrator of the behaviour to assume certain facts, and ignore others.”

In November 2015, six months after Mr Wickham had filed his human rights complaint, the restaurant submitted a response through a lawyer.

They attempted to justify the incident by claiming that the restaurant “attracts something of a transient crowd” and that dine and dashes were common. They said that they adopted a policy requiring customers whom staff did not recognise as regulars to prepay for their food.

Ms Codjoe rejected the explanation and said there was no evidence such a policy existed.

The tribunal ordered the restaurant to pay Mr Wickham $10,000 as compensation for his Code rights infringement, “and for the injury to his dignity, feelings and self-respect.”

Mr Wickham said the experience made him question the idea that big cities such as Toronto are harmonious multicultural havens.

He told the Globe and Mail: “I feel a lot of Canadians feel like because they don’t say the N-word or they have that black colleague or they like to eat Jamaican food and know about roti and doubles." - ES

No More 'Hostile Environment' For Illegal Immigrants - Sajid Javid

New Home Secretary Sajid Javid tore up a key part of Theresa May’s legacy today as he banned the phrase “hostile environment” when it comes to enforcing immigration laws.

Appearing in the Commons just hours after replacing Amber Rudd in the Home Office, Javid sought to reassure MPs that incidents like the Windrush debacle would not happen on his watch.

Javid repeatedly referred to himself as a “second-generation migrant” as he claimed he was “personally committed and invested” in setting right the procedures which saw people who had lived in the UK all their adult lives face deportation.

In a clear break with the tone struck by May during her six years as Home Secretary, Javid said: “The phrase ‘hostile’ is a phrase I’m not going to use.

“It’s a compliant environment - I don’t like the phrase ‘hostile’ so the terminology I think is incorrect.

“I think that it is a phrase that is I think unhelpful and it doesn’t represent our values as a country to use that phrase.

“It’s about a compliant environment and it’s right that we do have a compliant environment and it was a process that was begun under a previous government, it’s continued but it’s right we make a big distinction between those that are here legally and those that are illegal.”

During her period as Home Secretary, May pushed on with a clamp down on illegal immigrants, and spoke of creating a “hostile environment” for them in the UK.

Targets for the removal of illegal immigrants were created, and a van emblazoned with a ‘Go Home’ banner was driven around the streets of London.

Speaking this morning, May defended her record as Home Secretary, telling Sky News: “Yes there were targets in terms of removing people from the country who are here illegally. This is important. 

“If you talk to the members of the public, they want to make sure we are dealing with people who are here illegally.”

Javid’s movement away from the rhetoric of May’s time as Home Secretary was welcomed by Tory MP Nick Boles, who urged him to go further.

He said: “I believe I speak for everyone on this side of the House to put his own stamp on that policy. We want to see the policy of the Home Secretary – one of the four great offices of state – and if that means retiring some legacy policies, then so be it.” 

Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said the Windrush scandal had left many British people “ashamed”.

She told Javid: “He will be judged not on the statements he makes this afternoon, he will be judged on what he does to put the situation right and get justice for the Windrush generation.”

Labour backbencher Chuka Umunna said Javid had a “golden opportunity to turn the page on a toxic debate around immigration” as he urged for the net migration target of below 100,000 a year to be dumped.

Umunna added: “What is he actually going to change and do differently from his two predecessors? All the warm words are great, but what is he going to do differently to stop this happening again?”

Javid replied: “Can I just say with respect I’ve only had about seven hours in this department and if he gives me a little  bit more time I will set out what I’m going to do.” - UK Huffington Post

My husband filmed me while we were having sex, leaks video to public – Woman tells court

A 37 year old woman, Folasade Olaniyan, on Monday told an Idi-Ogungun Customary Court, Agodi in Ibadan, Oyo that her husband, Ojo Olaniyan, filmed her while making love with him.

Folashade told the court that her husband also went ahead and leaked the video to his friends and family members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Folasade approached the court for dissolution of her 15-year-old union with Olaniyan over brutality and lack of trust.

She also told the court that her husband did not care for the four kids of the union, threatened her life and also smoked Indian-hemp.

In her testimony before the court on Monday, the plaintiff narrated how Olaniyan constantly accused her of having extra marital affairs.

“I am a food vendor but he is always suspicious of me and accuses me of sleeping with my customers.

“When he could not establish evidence on the allegation, he filmed my nakedness while both of us were having sex in our apartment.

“To my surprise, he leaked the pictures to neighbours and my parents that he caught me in a hotel with one of my customers.

“I was ashamed and embarrassed that the father of my four kids could do such a thing,” she said.

Folashade also told the court that her husband turned her to a punching bag whenever he took Indian hemp.

“Moreover, he never caters for our four kids, I shoulder the responsibility of the children alone,” she submitted.

She begged the court to dissolve the marriage to avoid untimely death and free her from his brutality and unwarranted embarrassment.

The President of the court, Mr Mukaila Balogun, noted that the respondent was not in court in spite of the fact that he received court summon twice.

Balogun, therefore, pronounced the dissolution of the marriage and granted custody of the four children to the plaintiff.

The president also ordered the respondent to pay N12, 000 monthly for the upkeep of the four children.

He said that the respondent should be served a copy of the judgment and also restrained him from further harassment of the plaintiff. -

Art gallery discovers more than half of its paintings are fake

An art gallery in the south of France has discovered that more than half of its collection of paintings are forgeries.

The state-owned museum dedicated to the Catalan artist Étienne Terrus in Elne spent an estimated 160,000 euros (£140,000) on the fakes over 20 years.

Doubts about the collection of paintings, drawings and watercolours were first raised by art historian Eric Forcada several months ago.

He noticed that some of them depicted buildings that were only constructed after Terrus' death in 1922.

A committee of experts have now confirmed that 82 of the 140 works were not painted by the artist, who was a close friend of Henri Matisse.

"It is a catastrophe," said Yves Barniol, the Mayor of Elne.

"I put myself in the place of all the people who came to visit the museum, who saw fake works, who took a ticket of entry, whatever the price.

"It is unacceptable and I hope we find those responsible."

The municipal council has recently invested 300,000 euros on renovating the Terrus Museum.

Police are now investigating allegations of forgery and fraud and suspect the counterfeiting may extend to other regional artists and museums.

It has been estimated that at least 20 per cent of the paintings held by major galleries are fake. - The Independent

Rigging in progress !! 2019: No cash for INEC’s N300b budget

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is bracing for next year’s general elections – without cash.

The polls are 291 days away, but there is no cash yet for INEC’s N300 billion budget.

The cash squeeze is likely to affect the timelines for the elections, unless the Executive and the Legislature move fast to reverse the situation.

INEC has to procure more than 800 materials for the conduct of a successful poll but none has been bought.

Some materials needed for the polls take six to seven months to procure, The Nation learnt.

INEC in January submitted over N300 billion budget to the Presidency for vetting and presentation to the National Assembly.

The cash is expected to be drawn from a special vote outside the commission’s 2018 budget, which is stuck at the National Assembly alongside those of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

A source in INEC said: “We have submitted a budget of over N300billion for the 2019 poll but there has been no response or feedback from the Executive and the National Assembly. We have made a formal request for funds.

“We have about 291 days to the 2019 general elections, we have not bought a pin. Yet, we have to submit all our procurements to due process.

“Lack of funds is really affecting our preparation for the poll. We are behind time, going by our past schedule for the release of funds for 2011 and 2015 elections.

“For 2011 elections, INEC started drawing down the election budget in 2009 and by 2010, we had received more than 90 per cent of the funds required.”

The source added: “INEC needs to procure over 800 materials for the 2019 polls, especially some vital components of Smart Card Readers, Ballot Papers, Ballot Boxes, Result Sheets, among others.

“Some of these materials take six to seven months to procure. And if you add due process clause, they may require eight months to get.

“We need to learn from the past. Despite the fact that by 2014, INEC had made substantial progress on preparation for the 2015 poll, it still asked for a little extension of the timeline.”

The source expressed fears that the poll timetable might be affected if funds were not released on time to INEC.

The source said: “Even if we get the election budget, we have to work between 8am and 2am daily to put everything in proper shape for the poll.

“This is why we want to appeal to all those concerned with the release of the funds to assist INEC.”

According to the polls timetable, party primaries for the presidential, governorship, federal and state elections will begin on August 18  and end on October 7.

The presidential election will hold on February 16, 2019, the governorship and state assembly elections will be conducted on March 2, 2019. - The Nation

‘May Nigerian Christians find peace’ — Pope speaks on killings

Pope Francis has condemned the recent attack on a church in Benue state which led to the deaths of 19 persons.

On April 24, suspected herdsmen invaded St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church in Gwer east local government area of the state, opening fire on worshippers that had come for an early morning mass.

Among those killed in the attack were two priests

Few days after, another church was invaded in Logo local government area of the state. Seven persons were said to have been killed in the incident.

Speaking at the St. Peter’s Square in Rome, on Sunday, Francis called for an end to the attacks.

“The pontiff prayed that Nigeria’s Christian community find harmony and peace,” AP said in a report.

The Pope is the head of state of the Vatican and equally doubles as the successor of Saint Peter (head of the Catholic Church).

In an interview with Daily Sun, John Onaiyekan, Metropolitan Catholic archbishop of Abuja, said the Pope is deeply concerned about herdsmen’s killings across the country.

Onaiyekan said the pontiff is well informed about developments in Nigeria.

He said during a visit of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to Rome, all bishops of Nigeria gave account of events within their dioceses.

He listed Benue bishops who visited Rome as Wilfred Anagbe (Makurdi); Peter Adoboh (Katsina-Ala); William Avenya (Gboko) and Michael Apochi (Otukpo), disclosing that they all spoke about developments in the state.

Onaiyekan said the Pope specifically asked who the bishop of Makurdi is, and, upon meeting him, held the bishop, who, in turn, wept profusely.

“The Pope is so concerned about what is happening, not only about the Benue killings, but about the situation that has been going on in Nigeria for many months now, even here. He showed deep concern,” Onaiyekan said.

“The Pope will not speak as frankly as we did because this is our country. We can speak like we want; we can speak like we think we ought to speak; as leaders of our church.”

On Sunday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) declared national day of protest to kick against the incessant killings.

The association, led by Olasupo Ayokunle, CAN president, also called on the federal government to end the perceived prosecution of Christians across the country. - Cable Nigeria

Will Lagos-Ibadan Expressway ever be delivered?

THE Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has, more than any other highway, gained the attention of Nigerians and successive governments. Eighteen years on, the road has featured on the to-do-list of the Federal Government which continues to pump money into it to make it safe for road users.

Fixing the road, which is gateway from Lagos to other parts of the country, is becoming expensive.

Before Messrs Julius Berger Plc and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Plc were hired by the Government in 2013, the 127.6-kilometre highway was at best a deathtrap.  The contracts were awarded for N167 billion with a completion date of 2017.

The two firms were hired following the failure of Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited (BHSL) to fulfill the agreements it reached with the government on the project. The N91 billion contract awarded to BHSL was terminated on November 19, 2012.

If the concessionary agreement the Federal Government signed with BHSL in 2009, had worked out, the company would have managed the highway for 25 years under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Bi-Courtney had a mandate to reconstruct and expand the expressway and recoup its investment through tolling and advertisement rights.

The government said the action was taken because of the failure of Bi-Courtney.

Since Julius Berger and RCC were mobilised by the former administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the contractors have been on and off the sections allocated to them, a development that made last year’s delivery date impossible.

But the approval of additional N64.1 billion by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its weekly meeting week, the Muhammadu Buhari government seems poised to complete the reconstruction of the Segment  ‘A’ of the highway. The section from Lagos to Sagamu Interchange was initially awarded to Julius Berger for 70 billion.

An analyst Deinde Ola, captured the unending rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of successive governments on the road thus; “the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is like a road to eternity, it never ends.”

Announcing the latest development, the Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said the new funds would address the changing nature of the road.

According to the minister, the increased human activity on the corridor, especially the Lagos-Sagamu segment, occasioned by the mushrooming of religious institutions, factories, universities and farm settlements, informed the need to change the inherited design. He said the inherited design has become obsolete.

The new approval, Fashola explained, is designed to modify the bitumen for the road in order to withstand pressure from heavy duty vehicles plying the road and to cover the construction of pedestrian bridges and toll plazas.

He said: “The inherited design didn’t provide for all these at all. The second section – the 80-kilometre Sagamu-Ibadan segment – which is under Reynold Construction Company (RCC) is not captured in the variation. It may incorporate similar works, including drainage works, when the ministry completes procurements.”

As at the time of filing this report, there was now news on when the Messrs Julius Berger should return to site. Neither has the government announced a new deadline for the completion of the project.

The multi-billion naira project is stucked- no thanks to the inability of the Federal Government to adequately fund the project.

After rewarding the project in 2013, the Jonathan administration pledged to release N50 billion. But instead, the government provided only a guarantee to the Infrastructure Bank to facilitate the release of N117 billion to Julius Berger and the RCC.

The two construction were unable to get up to N10 billion, a development that forced the firms to withdraw their gangs from the road.

The bank, it was learnt, was trying to limit its risk exposure because the BHSL had approached the court to challenge the termination of its contract.

The case was determined in favour of the government in a Federal High Court on April 25, 2016.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr. Fred Kuti, said a clearer picture of the details may not come until next month.

Kuti said: “How these things works is that when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) comes up with its approvals, it takes about two weeks for the council to pass extracts of such approvals to the ministry and it is only when we get the extracts that we can formally write Messrs Julius Berger, the contractor.”

For now, the only information at its disposal, the controller added, “is that additional N64.1 billion has been approved by the government in addition to the N70 billion currently being expended.”

If the ministry will get the extract by mid-May, mobilising Julius Berger and returning to site may not be earlier than June.

A transport expert, Dr. George Banjo, said the real issue is not when the project would resume, Nigerians are anxious to know when it would be delivered.

The reason for this is not far-fetched. The road in its present state has become the nation’s most prominent death trap, claiming lives on a daily basis.

Saluting the government for the new design going on the road, George, a former World Bank Consultant on Transportation, said the road’s upgrading is long overdue as the road used to be a rural motorway.

He said: “With the heavy human activities along the corridor, especially the first segment, coupled with the vehicular pressure on the road, the need to upgrade the road into an urban motorway becomes imperative, because it is in response to the growing needs of the people.”

George urged the government to put its overall plan on the road to the public domain.

“Until such is done, it would be difficult to fault the government on this new initiative as it simply showed that it is not immune to those needs that might make it return to the project sooner, if it had delivered it because of the need to prevent lives of other road users as well as ensure the longevity of the road. For now, it is a step in the right direction,” George had said.

Echoing him, another transport planning expert, Dr. Joseph Shojobi, called for the implementation of a new template to manage the nation’s basic commonwealth.

According to him, a fundamental reform such as the return of all roads to the state governments must be undertaken, to take the shine away from the regular ritual of announcing hefty sums for the construction and rehabilitation of roads.

He said: “This should be followed with the re-classification of the roads and the growth of dedicated funds by the reintroduction of the tolling regime to ensure regular maintenance of the roads.

“We must make tolling part of our culture. It must be a consistent policy, if we are to ensure we have motorable road all year round.

“Let the government come up with an agency or corporation to handle our roads. This agency must statutorily collect at least two percent of the cost of construction of any new road as well as fuel tax and tolls.

“Everywhere in the world, the usage of the road is not free. We must get the tolling regime back and also get to introduce fuel consumption tax. Consumers must be able to pay between one or two percent tax on our daily fuel consumption. That is what obtains in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (U.S.), Germany and other partsof Europe.

“The beauty of such a fund is that the country would not have to wait for yearly allocations to fix any road because the special agency so created to warehouse the money would have enough to maintain all road networks and construct new ones across all the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“When the taxpayers see that the money is being judiciously deployed, they would be willing to pay.”

Shojobi, who recalled that the country was able to pay for the construction of the road in the 60s without recourse to the World Bank, said the country would not have gotten into the cesspool, if the government had cultivated the culture of tolling of its highways.

To prevent the cankerworm of corruption from sinking its fangs into the agency, Shojobi called for the decentralisation of its operations and the use of professionals and consultants.

Shojobi said: “If the same template used by the military government during the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), is introduced, we would be able to sanitise the transportation ecosystem and ensure that money is available to fund the repair of construction of new roads across the country.”

He said the new template would provide a new gust of wind into a sector that is exemplified by dilapidated infrastructure.

The highway, according to Shojobi, “is a commonwealth for which a neutral agency is the needed catalyst to ensuring the proliferation of roads that would be mutually enjoyed by all as it would be able to ensure that everything is put in place to ensure that it is safe and secured for all classes of users.” - The Nation