News

Reps C’ttee Blames Building Collapse On Substandard Iron Rods

Published

3 months ago

August 1, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the urgent need to address the rising rate of building collapse in Nigeria.

The Chairman, House Committee on Steel Development, Rep. Zainab Gimba, said the circulation of substandard iron rods for building in the country, was responsible for the spate of buildingcollapse.

Rep. Gimba in her opening address at an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja on Wednesday, called for stakeholders’ collaboration to address this problem.

According to her, recent findings revealed manipulations in iron rods where 10mm is actually 7.56mm, 12mm is 9.25mm and 16mm is actually 11.25mm.

The Chairman criticized supervising agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria for not doing enough to address the problem and said the committee will commence investigation into the matter and deal with offenders.

“We must remember that we need to collaborate extensively with the Legislature to find urgent and sustainable solution to the ugly and unfortunate problem of proliferation of sub-standard iron rods in Nigerian markets, which has led to serious cases of incessant building collapse with its attendant multiple deaths of innocent Nigerians.

“I want to make it unambiguously clear that the committee lis ever committed to robust engagement with critical stakeholders, well structured, positioned and geared towards the fulfillment of the Renewed Economic and Developmental Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“He has adequately displayed passion by creating the Ministry for Steel Development with two Ministers, to see to the speedy development of the steel sector, thus providing Nigerians the needed material at affordable cost while boosting the Nation’s revenue generation.

“We must not forget that steel can overwhelmingly diversity the Nigerian economy and create employment opportunities as it is obtainable in other developed counties like Russia, United States and India.

“Therefore, all hands must eagerly be on deck, to flow with Mr. President’s vision for the speedy development of the steel industry, and ultimately reduce the country’s dependence on the oil industry,” she said.

The lawmaker further stated that important issues like the Metallurgical Bill and the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company needed the support and collaboration of all stakeholders.

Rep. Gimba said the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Nigeria Consumer Protection Agency must sit up to address the challenge.

“We can no longer stand akimbo while watching as some wicked businessmen are sending innocent Nigerians to untimely deaths.

“And in being on top of our mandate, the committee is committed to making Ajaokuta Steel company work in line with Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda, while considering reasonable jail terms to effectively handle producers and prevent the circulation of sub-substandard iron rods in the country.

“We are already assiduously looking at resuscitating the Bill in this regard, by applying the needed amendments to hammer economic saboteurs who are poised to embarrassing us continuously.

“Above all, we all must continue to take all necessary actions to protect the steel industry; maintain a sense of purpose by demonstrating insatiable commitment to our statutory obligations,” she said.

The committee refused to engage the representative of the President of the NSE, Ms Margaret Oguntala, insisting she must appear in person.

She was represented by Engr Chinasaokwu Okojie, who is the project manager of Comppon Nigeria Company.

News

Alleged Assault: Lawyers dump bolt driver for apologizing to Abia Reps member

Published

1 hour ago

November 8, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

The team of lawyers representing Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja based bolt driver that was allegedly assaulted by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, have withdrawn from his case.

The withdrawal, came barely 24 hours after the driver made a volte farce by tendering an apology to his alleged assaulter who had since been docked in court by the police over his action.

Hon. Ikwechegh was arraigned after he had admitted that he manhandled the e-hailing cab driver and apologized for his unbecoming conduct.

However, in view of the recent turn of events in the matter, Abuwatseye’s lawyers said they were no longer ready to offer legal services to him.

A statement dated November 8, signed by Zainab M. Otega of Deji Adeyanju & Partners and titled: “PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED ASSAULT OF MR. STEPHEN ABUWATSEYE: WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION,” read:

“We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye.

“On October 28, 2024, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye walked into our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault. Following his complaint, and having verified his claim, we took steps to protect Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye’s rights, on pro bono basis, culminating in the arraignment of the alleged assaulter.

“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.

“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”

News

Olaiya Flyover Bridge In Osun Closed Temporarily

Published

2 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Naijablitznews

The popular Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has been closed temporarily.

According to reports, this closure is to allow for the installation of barriers at the bridge’s entrance to prevent heavy trucks from using the bridge.

Inside Osogbo shared the updates on social media, urging motorists and other road users to exercise patience along the axis.

The blog wrote: “ATTENTION: The popular Ọlà-Ìyá Bridge is currently closed to give way for the installation of barriers at the entrance of the bridge to disallow heavy duty trucks from using the bridge. Motorists and other road users are enjoined to exercise patience along this axis.Kindly rebroadcast

The Olaiya Bridge was constructed by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun accused the state government of planning to demolish the iconic flyover bridge.

However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied these allegations and banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the flyover.

News

NUJ FCT SEC Directs Members to Ignore Boycott Call by Ousted Chairman Osadebamwen

Published

2 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has called on members to disregard a boycott order issued by Patrick Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, referred to as former officials without authority.

In a joint statement signed by key chapel leaders, the SEC accused the duo of spreading false information to undermine preparations for the NUJ FCT Council elections scheduled for December 4, 2024.

The SEC emphasized that the sale of nomination forms is being conducted by the legitimate Credentials Committee, in line with the union’s constitution.

The statement reads: “The Credentials Committee operates under the constitution and has been cleared by the National Secretariat. It is independent of state and national officers, as stipulated in Article 5(9C)”.

The SEC clarified that Osadebamwen and Ugwu were impeached during a Congress held on October 19, 2024, and have no legal standing within the union, and urged members interested in contesting positions to obtain nomination forms from the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, starting November 8.

The council dismissed the boycott directive from the impeached individuals as baseless, describing their actions as “illegitimate, illegal, and void”, and reassured members that security agencies have been informed of the impeachment and urged members to carry out their union activities without fear of intimidation.

“We will not engage in public exchanges or inflammatory rhetoric, despite provocations,” the SEC stated, reaffirming its focus on protecting the union’s integrity.

The statement was endorsed by several chapel leaders, including:

– Jide Oyekunle, Chairman, NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel

– Yahaya Ndambabo, Chairman, VON Chapel

– Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, Chairman, FCTA Chapel

– Collins Yakubu-Hammer, NAN Chapel

– Onuh Holina, Chairman, Aso Radio/TV Chapel

The SEC reiterated its call for unity and adherence to constitutional procedures, concluding: “For the union makes us strong.”