The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has criticized those opposing President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, labeling such criticism as driven by envy and a lack of national interest.

He asserted that detractors should be seen as enemies of Nigeria, while being confident that these reforms would soon transform the economy for the better.

Speaking on Friday during an investigative public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Works in Abuja, Umahi emphasized that President Tinubu’s economic agenda was well understood by key leaders across various sectors.

He assured Nigerians that these leaders are actively working towards realizing the president’s vision.

Addressing concerns surrounding the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, Umahi described the backlash as fueled by jealousy and misinformation.

He pointed out that President Tinubu has been committed to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure for over two decades, tracing his vision back to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Now, with the mandate to lead the country, Umahi said Tinubu is determined to implement long-held plans for national development.

“Mr. President has dreamed of a better Nigeria for 25 years.

God has now given him the chance to make this dream a reality, and he is fully committed to delivering,” Umahi stated.

Umahi praised Tinubu’s efforts to revamp the nation, noting that the president’s swift actions since taking office have surprised many skeptics.

He urged Nigerians to give the reforms time to bear fruit, arguing that these initiatives will eventually benefit everyone.

In response to the controversy over the Lagos-Calabar coastal road, Umahi explained that the project’s design had to be adjusted due to an undersea communication cable located 16 kilometers into the project.

The road was redirected to protect this critical infrastructure, with the route reconnected at the 26-kilometer mark.

He pointed out that this change was necessary to avoid past mistakes and ensure the project’s smooth completion.

He concluded by urging critics to move past suspicion and appreciate the broader vision behind the reforms.

“When people stop being distrustful and truly understand the coastal road project, they’ll see how vital it is for national growth,” he said.

The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation (HCAA) has named Chinasa Unaegbunam, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to its prestigious advisory board, marking a significant milestone in international aviation arbitration.

The appointment, announced on Friday, December 6, by Tunde Moshood, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, highlights Unaegbunam’s exceptional expertise in aviation law.

Moshood described the recognition as both a personal achievement and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global aviation arbitration.

With a diverse 40-member advisory board, the HCAA includes international experts such as Claire McDermott, Mary Walker, and Wade Thomson. The board’s mission is to champion arbitration and mediation as effective methods for resolving disputes within the complex aviation sector.

Unaegbunam’s appointment places her as Nigeria’s second aviation-focused Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to join the board, further solidifying her legacy in the field. She is set to contribute strategic advice to enhance global dispute resolution mechanisms tailored for aviation.

Her recognition aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment to advancing excellence in aviation a sector critical to national and global economic development.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the representative of Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency and spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), for gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.

The expulsion was confirmed in a statement released on Friday, December 6, by the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak.

According to the statement, the decision was communicated in a letter from the Ideato LGA chapter of the party, signed by Chairman Hon. ThankGod Okeke and Secretary Onyebuchi Umeh, following a report by the party’s disciplinary committee.

The report, dated November 27, 2024, accused Ugochinyere of misconduct as per Section 57 (1-4) of the PDP constitution. His expulsion followed his suspension at the Umuopia/Umukegwu ward level on October 14, 2024, after he failed to respond to multiple invitations from the ward Executive Committee.

The Ideato North LGA Executive Committee unanimously adopted the disciplinary committee’s findings during a meeting on December 5, 2024, solidifying the decision.