Plan your trip, FG begins eight-week Eko Bridge shutdown 

By Dada Jackson

The Federal Government has shut down the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks begining from Friday, September 20, 7am.

This is to allow for asphalt-resurfacing work on the road and it is expected to be completed and reopened on November 20, 2024.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Engr. Olukorede Kesha.

She stated, “The closure will be full at some sections of the bridge and partial at other sections.

“This critical project aims to improve road safety and enhance the driving experience of motorists.

“The work involves milling of the existing asphalt and relaying new asphalt on the bridge and ramps. This will address wear and tear and ensure a smoother, safer roadway.”

Alternative routes are advised to be used by motorists during the period of closure.

For those heading for the Island coming from Funsho Williams Avenue, they can use the service lane at Alaka to connect Costain and access the Eko Bridge and link Apongbon.

The travel advisory offered includes: “Costain inwards Alaka/Funsho Williams Avenue: Pass through Apapa Road from Costain and link Oyingbo to access Adekunle then link to the Third Mainland Bridge

“Surulere: Use Costain to link Breweries inwards the Abebe Village to connect Eric Moore/Bode Thomas.”

The government urged residents and businesses within the closure zone to plan their movements accordingly.

It also said, “Appropriate signage and traffic control measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve our infrastructure.”

Just in: Yahaya Bello not with us, he remains wanted – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is not in its custody.

On Wednesday, Ohiare Michael, director of Bello’s media office, said the former governor had “honoured the invitation” of the anti-graft agency over alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.

Michael said Bello made the decision “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.

But in a statement issued by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, the anti-graft agency said Bello remains wanted.

“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody,” the statement reads.

“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”

On April 18, the EFCC declared Bello wanted after an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him.

Prior to this, the former governor failed to appear in court to defend the allegations made against him by the anti-graft agency.

The commission also asked anyone with useful information on Bello’s whereabouts to contact the commission or the nearest police station.

We no longer recognise Abure as Labour Party chairman – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again stated that it’s illegal and unconstitutional for Julius Abure to continue portraying himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

The commission said it does not recognise Abure and other national working committee members of the party because their tenure expired in June 2024.

INEC’s position was contained in a counter affidavit filed in response to the Labour Party’s suit challenging its exclusion from INEC’s refresher training for uploading party agents ahead of the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

INEC asserted that the Labour Party’s leadership, including Abure, is now invalid, and the Commission did not recognise the party’s March 2024 National Convention, which claimed to re-elect Abure as chairman.

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INEC insisted that the convention violated the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act, stressing that it only engages with parties that have valid and subsisting leadership.

In a written address in support of the counter affidavit, INEC’s legal team, led by Tanko Inuwa, SAN, argued that the Labour Party’s suit is seeking declaratory reliefs, which cannot be granted as a matter of course or based on mere admissions.

They contended that the Labour Party must succeed on the strength of its case, even in the face of admissions.

The Commission’s lawyers further submitted that having failed to comply with the extant legal frameworks in conducting its national convention; the Labour Party does not have a valid leadership that INEC can engage.

They urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that the Labour Party is not entitled to the reliefs sought.

We no longer recognise Abure as Labour Party chairman – INEC