Headlines
FCT Minister threatens to kick out non-performing contractors

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has threatened to kick out non-performing contractors executing projects in the FCT.
Wike made the threat in Abuja on Friday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of the 15-kilometre left-wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, from Ring Road 1 to Wasa.
The threat followed what the minister described as a “disappointing performance” of CGC Nigeria Ltd executing the project, saying “it is barely 50 per cent as against CGC’s 75 per cent claim.
“As at last year, you promised you would finish the project by December 2024 or at most January 2025, now you have extended it to May.
“With what I am seeing, it may not be possible till eight or nine months from now.
“You should be fair to us. If we have an agreement, let’s keep to that agreement and we are paying. Why should we see what we are seeing now? He asked.
The minister said that the FCT Administration had paid over 80 per cent of the contract sum, “but look at what they have done. This is very bad. I am not encouraged.
“We have paid the contractor more than 80 per cent of this contract and the job, as far as I am concerned, is not up to 50 per cent. I am not going to accept this.”
On what he would do to non-performing contractors, Wike said: “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. Everybody knows our position that if you don’t perform, we kick you out.
“There is no sentiment about it. Whether you are an indigenous contractor; whether you are a foreign contractor; we don’t care. All we are concerned about is the work.
“If you do the work; we go along with you, if you don’t do the work; we kick you out and we will make you pay for it; there must be sanctions.
“You can’t just collect our money, and we just say go, when you do not complete our project, no.
“Before we kick you out, we will make you pay for it. That is our position.”
He explained that his attention was drawn to the project when he inspected the Apo to Karshi road on Thursday and passed through Wasa on his way back.
He explained that the inspection was to see things for himself.
“There was no equipment here yesterday when I passed through the road.
“I believe it is because I said I was coming here today that you mobilised equipment. These are things I will not accept.
“CGC is one of the most respected construction companies in the country, but as far as this road is concerned, I am not happy,” he groaned.
The minister directed the Director of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Development Authority to sit with the contractor, agree on a work plan, and commit to a completion timeline.
Wike said that the work plan described the road as important considering the huge economic activities taking place in the area.
He directed that the project delivery work plan should be on his table on Monday, pointing out that the road, if completed, would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the area.
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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