Politics
Breaking: Ayakoromor Bridge Contract Re-awarded to Setraco – Funkekeme
The earlier revoked Ayakoromor bridge contract has been re-awarded to Setraco Nigerian Limited for speedier completion, by the Governor Okowa-led Delta State Government.
This was said last Monday by Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, the Senior Political Adviser to the Delta State Governor and Director-General of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Campaign Council, during the PDP Ward-to-Ward Campaign at Ayakoromor Ward-7 in Burutu Local Government Area.
Funkekeme, a former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and former Delta State Commissioner for Works, under whose watch the bridge project was initiated said, the Ayakoromor Bridge is a product of PDP government and would be better completed by the party who deemed it useful to initiate the project. The people of Ayakoromor should therefore vote all candidates of the PDP in the 2023 elections.
He said;
“This bridge is a product of PDP government led by Dr. Emmanual Uduaghan and I was Commissioner for Works. When the present government felt that the contractor was not meeting expectations, the contract was terminated. And now, he (Okowa) has re-awarded it to Setraco, so that the bridge can be completed within the remaining period of this administration.
“Don’t let anybody deceive you that they’ll complete Ayakoromor bridge. They have not completed any bridge or road since 2015. They cannot come here to deceive you. Ayakoromor people are more enlightened than them.
“Let me reassure you that the bridge will be completed by this government,”.
It is pertinent to state that, the Ayakoromor bridge, being constructed across the River Forcados, is the longest bridge on the proposed Warri-Ogulagha road. The bridge is part of the reviewed road project, first awarded by the Chief James Ibori administration and designed to initially take of from Isaba, which was thwarted by unresolved allegations of embezzlement of released mobilization funds.
However, the Governor Uduaghan administration reviewed it and decided to reroute the road from Egbo-Ide in Udu LGA, from where the above 1.5 kilometer bridge would land in the first town at Ayakoromor, Burutu LGA.
The contract was terminated by Governor Okowa in October 2022, citing the slow pace of work by the contractor, after over ten years of work and an initial upward review of the contract sum from 6 billion to 10 billion naira.
If the information shared by the Senior Political Adviser to Governor Okowa is to mean a thing to the Burutu people, it would mean that their unabated cry for the speedy completion of this all-important bridge will yield desired goals, so that the next administration can continue to extend one of the most important roads in the whole of Nigeria that would eventually link the multibillion dollar Forcados Oil Storage Terminal located in Ogulagha and Odimodi, to Warri mainland.
It is on record that Governor Okowa and his delegates have promised the completion of this bridge over ten times since 2015. Whilst some think this is another wild promise for the purpose of elections campaign only, the people are left with no options but to wait earnestly, how this one coming from a trusted son of the soil, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon would turn out.
By Prof. Benedict Binebai
Justice often becomes a sensitive topic for those who have historically wielded power to oppress others. For decades, the Warri Ijaws have faced systemic injustices at the hands of Itsekiri imperialism, which has sought to marginalize and silence their voices. Now, as efforts are made to correct these historical wrongs and restore the rights and privileges of the Ijaw people, those who previously benefited from this imbalance are raising alarms, feigning concern about the changes.
The reality is that the Ijaw people have long fought for justice and recognition of their rightful place. They are not land grabbers or aggressors but individuals seeking to reclaim their heritage and assert their rights in the face of long-standing oppression. The resistance from the Itsekiri side stems from a reluctance to relinquish power and privilege.v
As the balance of power shifts toward justice and equity, it’s crucial to recognize the historical context and legitimate grievances of the Ijaw people. Their struggle is about restoring balance and ensuring their rights are respected, not perpetuating conflict. By standing up for their rights, the Ijaw people seek a just and fair resolution to decades of oppression.
The Ijaws, Urhobos, and Itskeris of Warri have coexisted for many years. It’s essential for everyone to respect the voice of justice and work towards a harmonious and equitable society. By doing so, we can build a future where all communities can thrive together.
By Divine Perezide
March 18, 2025
The political crisis in Rivers State deepened on Monday as the State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The lawmakers formally served the duo a notice of alleged misconduct, marking the beginning of a process that could see them removed from office.
The impeachment notice outlines several allegations against Governor Fubara, primarily focusing on financial misconduct and constitutional violations.
Key Allegations Against Governor Fubara
Failure to Present the 2024 Budget:
The Assembly accuses Governor Fubara of failing to present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill for 2024, contrary to Section 121 of the Constitution. The lawmakers cite a Federal High Court ruling that declared any previous attempts to pass and sign the budget as “void ab initio” and ordered the governor to present a fresh budget to the House.
Unauthorized Withdrawals from State Funds:
The governor allegedly approved withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State in the 2024 financial year without a duly passed appropriation law. This act, the Assembly argues, violates Section 120 of the Constitution, which mandates legislative approval for all state expenditures.
Disregarding a Legislative Shutdown on State Expenditure:
Another charge against Fubara is his alleged violation of Section 122 of the Constitution by authorizing expenditures even after the Rivers State House of Assembly passed a resolution halting all government spending. This resolution was reportedly adopted on July 15, 2024, yet the governor allegedly continued financial operations in defiance of the legislative order.
Political Tensions on the Rise
The impeachment move comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State, exacerbated by the Federal Government’s decision to withhold the state’s financial allocation. The crisis has already sparked protests, with demonstrators blocking the East-West Road in response to recent developments.
Governor Fubara has yet to publicly respond to the allegations, but political observers warn that the unfolding situation could significantly impact governance in the oil-rich state. As the impeachment process progresses, all eyes remain on the next steps of the Rivers State Assembly and the governor’s defense team.
Stay with Iduwini Voice for more updates on this developing story.
APC, Buhari, Tinubu Traumatized the Country, Must be Changed – Lukman
By Tobouke JEMINE
Salihu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the APC, has expressed his disappointment with the current state of Nigeria under both the previous President Muhammadu Buhari and the incumbent, Bola Tinubu.
In his statement, Lukman claims that the APC, along with these two leaders, have worsened the country’s situation since taking power in 2015, particularly in areas like the economy, security, and corruption.
Lukman sees the upcoming 2027 election as a critical opportunity for Nigerians to bring about a change, but he emphasizes that simply replacing the APC is not enough. He believes a new political system is needed, one capable of holding elected officials accountable.
He also criticizes opposition leaders, such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, for being too focused on personal ambitions, which has prevented them from uniting under a common front to challenge Tinubu and the APC.
He stresses the need for more coordinated efforts among opposition parties and the emergence of new leadership that can transform Nigeria’s political landscape.