News
Kaduna/Abuja rail derailment: HoR summon Minister of Transportation to appear on Thursday
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/National-Assembly-NASS.jpg&description=Kaduna/Abuja rail derailment: HoR summon Minister of Transportation to appear on Thursday', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/National-Assembly-NASS.jpg&description=Kaduna/Abuja rail derailment: HoR summon Minister of Transportation to appear on Thursday', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the state of safety on Nigeria’s rail networks.
Consequently, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has been summoned to appear before its Committee on Land Transport within 48 hours, following his absence at an emergency session convened to address urgent railway safety concerns.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the House spokesman Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.
The sitting of the Committee on Tuesday in Abuja, chaired by Rep. Blessing Onyeche Onuh (APC, Benue), was convened with a clear mandate: to consider emergency issues related to Nigeria’s railway system, particularly the recent derailment of a Kaduna-bound train at Asham Station on August 26, 2025. The incident caused injuries to passengers, damage to railway infrastructure, and the indefinite suspension of services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. The Committee also sought a comprehensive briefing from the Honourable Minister and key stakeholders on safety measures, project status, and broader operational and contractual issues in the sector.
Honourable Members at the meeting, expressed deep concern that Senator Alkali failed to attend, instead verbally delegating a representative, an action that contravenes the Standing Orders of the House. While the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, was present, the Managing Director of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), another critical stakeholder, was absent.
Members of the Committee condemned the absence of the Minister and the MD of CCECC, describing it as unacceptable and emphasising that no other assignment should take precedence over accountability when Nigerian lives are at stake. They further stressed that Nigerians are watching closely to see transparency and responsibility in railway safety and project delivery.
The Committee, having rejected the Minister’s verbal attempt at delegation, adjourned for 48 hours and resolved to issue a formal summons for his personal appearance, and that of the CCECC Managing Director. It also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough inquiry into safety, operational, and contractual matters affecting Nigeria’s railway system.
The 10th House of Representatives assures Nigerians that their safety and welfare remain paramount, in line with its Legislative Agenda on Social Sector Reform and Development (Agenda 5). Parliament will continue to uphold its constitutional duty of oversight to ensure accountability and safeguard the lives of citizens.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.
Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.
The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.
Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.
Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.
He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.
He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.
Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.
”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”
He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.
Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.
The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.
He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.
”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.
Comedian, AYo Makun, professionally known as AY, has spoken about the late Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo’s final moments.
Recall that Alex Ekubo died in Lagos hospital on Monday, May 11 2026, after a long battle with cancer.
Alex, who was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024, underwent a transplant.
In 2026, the liver failed again, and he died from complications hours after being placed on life support.
Speaking about Alex’s final moments in an Instagram post, Comedian AY, who was present at the hospital, revealed that Alex was smiling when he breathed his last breath.
“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.
From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.
“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame”, AY wrote.
Also, Alex Ekubo’s friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, revealed that Alex prepared his will before his death.
Godwin wrote on his Instagram story “Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your will, It’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison for stealing public funds totalling about N33.8 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, brought the case before the court.
Mamman was accused of money laundering and conspiracy involving funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The ruling marks a major escalation from the earlier stage, where the court only dismissed his no-case submission and ordered him to open his defence.
More details soon…
“I don’t play politics of enmity” — Wike defends Visit to APC Chair Yilwatda(Photos)
All you need to know about popular movie star, Alexx Ekubo
Comedian AY narrates how Ekubo was all smiles in his dying moments
-
Entertainment12 hours agoSad: Real cause of death of popular movie star, Ekubo finally revealed
-
News21 hours agoBREAKING: Popular Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo is dead
-
Entertainment6 hours ago
Nollywood poster boy Alexx Ekubo had a prepared will before his demise
-
Entertainment11 hours ago
Emeka Rollas, Kate Henshaw, Others Mourn as Details Emerge on How Alexx Ekubo Died at 40
-
News11 hours agoFG orders varsities to suspend drug offenders
-
News20 hours agoElectricity Costs May go up Again as NERC Defends Tariff Review Plan
-
Metro11 hours agoPastor Fails To Resurrect From Death After Instructing Church Members To Bury Him Alive
-
Health11 hours agoMore Hantavirus cases may emerge in coming weeks — WHO
Warning: Undefined variable $user_ID in /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/comments.php on line 49
You must be logged in to post a comment Login