By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over repeated promises and government approvals concerning the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, demanding concrete action towards the commencement of construction.

The opposition party accused successive administrations of making repeated commitments on the multibillion-dollar project without translating them into visible development, leaving residents of Akwa Ibom waiting for its actual implementation.

The NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, stated this in a statement on Sunday, questioning how many times the Federal Government would announce approval of the same project without commencing construction.

The party recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under former President Muhammadu Buhari, approved the first phase of the proposed $4.6 billion Ibom Deep Seaport project on December 16, 2020, with Bollore/Power China reportedly named as the preferred bidder.

It also recalled that Tinubu, during the APC presidential campaign rally in Uyo on January 30, 2023, promised to construct the seaport alongside other development initiatives, including mechanised farming and food exports.

However, the party expressed disappointment that the President renewed the commitment during his visit to Akwa Ibom State on Friday, November 6, 2026, describing the announcement as another promise without sufficient evidence of progress.

According to the NDC, the continued delay in implementing the project raises questions about the commitment of successive administrations to delivering critical infrastructure in the state.

The party noted that the proposed seaport has the potential to create thousands of employment opportunities, attract investments, strengthen maritime activities and transform the economy of Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region.

It therefore challenged the Federal Government to move beyond political announcements and demonstrate its commitment through the commencement of construction.

The opposition party further called on the government to provide clear timelines for the commencement and completion of the project, insisting that the people of Akwa Ibom deserve tangible results rather than repeated assurances.

The NDC also urged Nigerians to hold the APC-led administration accountable for its campaign promises ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 34-year-old Ugandan woman, Farida Nansubuga, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 1.15 kilogrammes of cocaine from Nigeria to Uganda.

The suspect was apprehended on Tuesday, November 3, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while preparing to board a flight to Uganda.

According to the agency, a search conducted by NDLEA operatives and aviation security personnel led to the discovery of 87 wraps of cocaine concealed around her pelvic region beneath two layers of underwear.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested eight suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of streetlight infrastructure in Abuja.

The suspects were reportedly arrested by operatives attached to the Central Police Station during a routine anti-crime patrol within the city centre.

The Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, identified the suspects as Sani Musa, Ashiru Adamu, Markus Joseph, Suleman Ibrahim, Jamilu Umar, Usman Aliyu, Uzairu Sani and Shafiu Bala.

Adeh said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in vandalising and stealing public and private infrastructure across the Central Business District, Maitama, Wuse, Garki and Asokoro districts.