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Ogun Airport Site : Abiodun, Amosun on collision course

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A clash of interests is brewing between Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, and his predecessor, Ibikunle Amosun, over the construction of airports in Wasimi and Ilishan-Remo, both in the state.

While Abiodun is pushing for the construction of the proposed Gateway Agro Cargo Airport, Ilishan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, Amosun is also making a strong case for a passenger airport located at Wasimi, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.

The clash of interests became manifest on Saturday when the Senate Committee on Aviation, on Saturday, inspected the two proposed sites for airports in the state.

Our correspondent gathered that there was a high level of politicking in the Senate committee led by Senator Smart Adeyemi over which of the airports should get the attention of the Federal Government in the coming budget.

It was further gathered that, while the agro cargo airport had been conceptualised in 2007 by the Gbenga Daniel administration, the immediate past administration of Amosun in 2018 proposed to construct a passenger airport with its proposed location in the Wasimi area of the state.

Explaining while the Senate committee should give the passenger airport a quick attention, Amosun, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, said the Committee on Aviation had been inspecting the site since.

He said, “This is not the first time they will be coming here and I also want to appreciate the support of President Muhammadu Buhari because if not for his support, we wouldn’t have moved this project to this level.

“For me, if it is possible for us to have 10 airports, that’s fine. By the grace of God, this airport will see the light of the day.”

But, in his remarks, while receiving the committee, Abiodun stated that his administration would continue with the plan to construct an agro-cargo airport in the state.

Abiodun explained that the agro-cargo airport project has a lot of potential in the overall development of the state in particular and the country in general.

The governor, however, noted that what Ogun State yearns for is an airport that will support its massive agro development potentials.

According to him, the decision to continue with the agro-airport project, located in Ilishan-Remo in Ogun East Senatorial District, was made by the state’s joint inter-ministerial committee, which evaluated and placed priority on it as against the Ewekoro passenger airport.

Abiodun noted that a lot of verifiable work had started on the agro-cargo airport project, which had the approval of the federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

He informed the committee that there were no details or information on the Ewekoro project in the handover note of the Amosun administration.

The governor said, “This administration is deliberate and methodical. The need to have a cargo airport was made by our joint inter-ministerial committee and we consequently evaluated the initiatives that were started by previous administrations because government is a continuum.

“After a thorough evaluation, the choice of the airport cargo location in Ilishan was unanimous; it complements the agric/processing factories ecosystem in that corridor with access/egress road network.

“We are completing this project that was conceptualised by a previous administration the same way we have completed other projects (like) roads, bridges, hospitals and schools that were started by the previous administration. Our decision is always based on the economic value and benefits to our people.

“Comparatively, on the other proposed airport location, we did not find any details or information in any handover notes as it all seems to be shrouded in secrecy.”

Briefing journalists after inspecting the site for the proposed passenger airport in Wasimi, Adeyemi said the Senate committee was in the state to inspect the proposed airport projects without any prejudice.

The committee chairman noted that Ogun could accommodate the two airports due to the concentration of industries, saying the committee would come out with its report and submit such to the National Assembly.

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politics

Breaking : APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Resigns

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Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, cited health reasons for his resignation, stating that he needs to “focus on his well-being.”

Mr. Ganduje’s time as APC chairman has been fraught with controversy and internal challenges.

While his resignation letter attributes his decision to health-related concerns, sources close to the situation suggest that mounting political tensions within the party may have influenced his move to step aside.

There have also been allegations of financial misconduct tied to his leadership, with some party members reportedly protesting against what they described as “excessive financial demands” from his office

 

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BREAKING: At last, Fubara meets with Amaewhule, Rivers lawmakers, as they shared jokes and laughter

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Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubarahas met with the suspended Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and other aggrieved state lawmakers.

Multiple sources confirmed on Thursday evening the meeting held and ended with Fubara holding the hands of Amaewhule as they shared jokes and laughter.

It was gathered that the meeting, which was held in Abuja, was the first reconciliatory move between the governor and the state lawmakers.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said Fubara’s engagement with the lawmakers was fruitful but added that an enlarged peace meeting would hold to discuss peace terms.

“The suspended Governor is determined to make peace. He has started the real engagement,” the source said.Fubara was suspended from office on March 19 following a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu and ratified by the National Assembly to stop the escalating political crisis in the state.

 

The President appointed former Naval Chief, Vice-Admiral lbok Ete-Ibas for the first six months as an administrator for Rivers to allow the warring politicians to reconcile their differences.

 

Though Fubara had met with his estranged benefactor, Nyesom Wike and President Tinubu on the Rivers situation, the Thursday meeting he held with the lawmakers was said to be the most important step towards genuine reconciliation.

Wike had said on different occasions that to actualise genuine reconciliation Fubara must meet with the various stakeholders he offended especially members of the House of Assembly, whom he withheld their salaries and allowances for over two years.

 

It was learnt the Thursday elicited applauses from various stakeholders in the state including the simplified family of Fubara with many of them describing it as a step in the right direction.

 

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Renewed Hope: Jubilation in A’Ibom as Tinubu, Akpabio Welcome Governor Eno to APC on Saturday

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Security has been heightened in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit for the grand reception of Governor Umo Eno into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday.

The event, to be held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, will be hosted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Dignitaries expected at the high-profile reception include members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, the APC National Working Committee, party chieftains, and key political stakeholders from across Nigeria.

The planned reception was confirmed in a statement issued by Aniekan Umanah, chairman of the media & publicity subcommittee “The All Progressives Congress (APC) is pleased to announce that all is set for the grand reception of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D., and his team into the APC.“The historic event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 21, 2025, by noon at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

  • “His Excellency, Alhaji Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, will formally receive Governor Umo Eno and his team into the party, following an official presentation by the Akwa Ibom State APC Chairman, Obong StephenThe event will be graced by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Leader of the APC, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will officially welcome Governor Eno into the progressive fold.

“Also expected is the Chief host and President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON, whose presence will further underscore the spirit of unity and political alignment between Akwa Ibom State and the Federal Government. This moment marks a significant milestone in fostering collaboration for the progress and prosperity of the State.

“Other dignitaries expected include members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, the APC National Working Committee, senior party chieftains, and key political stakeholders from across the country.

“The APC warmly invites traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, and all citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State to be part of this historic celebration.

“Come and join us in giving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, and other distinguished guests a rousing welcome as we celebrate unity, progress, and the rising hope of Akwa Ibom State under the APC”, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the state commissioner of police, Baba Azare, disclosed that adequate security is being put in place for the event.

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