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AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria Thumbs Katsina State for Peaceful Local Government Elections

Published

8 months ago

February 15, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria has commended the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission, and the people of Katsina State for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the Local Government Council (LGC) elections held on February 15, 2025.

An observer team from AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, led by Deputy Director and Head of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Department, Mallam Garba Shehu, visited various wards and polling units to assess the election process. The team observed a high level of orderliness and commended the peaceful disposition of voters, political party agents, security personnel, and other stakeholders.

While the agency is yet to release an official report, preliminary observations indicate that the absence of political interference significantly contributed to the smooth electoral process.

“We have it on good authority that His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, is the first governor of the state to oversee LGC elections from one administration to another without interfering with due process, appointing caretaker chairmen, or unlawfully extending the tenure of incumbents. This commitment to democratic principles has played a crucial role in ensuring a peaceful and credible election,” said Mallam Shehu.

AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, through its APRM mandate, remains committed to promoting democracy and good governance in the country. The agency also aligns with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in safeguarding the constitutional rights of local governments and enhancing democratic processes at all levels.

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Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo

Published

9 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.

The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.

Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.

The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.

“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.

The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.

He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.

“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.

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