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Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway not responsible for Lagos flooding, Sanwo-Olu and Umahi state
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Lagos State Government and the Federal Government have refuted claims that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is causing flooding in parts of Lagos, attributing the allegations to misinformation on social media. This statement followed a visit by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and National Assembly members to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Tinubu for the infrastructure project, highlighting its potential to boost Nigeria's economy and improve citizens' quality of life. He explained that Lagos, as a coastal city, naturally experiences some flooding during heavy rainfall, and intense rainfall can temporarily overwhelm drainage systems, with floodwaters typically receding afterward. Sanwo-Olu criticized social media users for creating misleading impressions by sharing images of peak flooding without showing the aftermath. He also cited indiscriminate refuse disposal and blocked drainage channels as major contributors to urban flooding, noting the state's efforts in cleaning the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and enforcing environmental regulations. The governor mentioned an agreement for mechanized street cleaning of the Coastal Highway and the need for service roads, which may require structure removal. Minister Umahi stated that President Tinubu directed him to inspect the flooding situation due to social media claims. Umahi dismissed these claims as false, noting that flooding had been predicted in at least 22 states. He expla
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Minister of Works David Umahi stated that former presidential candidate Peter Obi does not pose a political threat to President Bola Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress APC. Speaking on ARISE Television, Umahi claimed Obi "cannot even face" him, let alone the President. He described Obi's political influence as "AI politics" and asserted that neither Tinubu nor the APC is concerned. Umahi also criticized Obi's tenure as Anambra State governor, questioning his moral authority to call for President Tinubu's resignation, citing alleged failures in infrastructure, industry, and contractor payments during Obi's governorship. Furthermore, Umahi accused members of the "Obidient movement" of intolerance, alleging that critics face insults, threats, and lawsuits. He challenged the movement to debate him on infrastructure and the Tinubu administration's reform agenda, insisting the government's performance is robust. Regarding the economy, Umahi acknowledged inherited structural challenges, arguing that economic recovery takes time and that the administration's reforms are beginning to show results, justifying a second term for President Tinubu.
The Delta State Police Command has demoted Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim after they were found guilty of extortion and misconduct. The officers were captured in a viral video on January 13, 2026, receiving money from a motorist via a Point-of-Sale terminal inside a police station. Following an orderly room trial, Jeremiah was reduced from Inspector to Sergeant, and Ehirim from Corporal to Constable. Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, upheld the findings, stating that the officers were guilty of "Disobedience to Lawful Order, Extortion and Discreditable Conduct." Oyeniyi reiterated that the Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu prohibits the use of POS terminals and other electronic payment platforms within police stations and formations. He warned that no officer is authorized to demand or receive money from the public and that any culpable officer will face disciplinary action. The Commissioner urged officers to maintain professionalism and integrity, and encouraged the public to report police misconduct.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Senate has voiced serious concern regarding the country's deteriorating security situation, specifically highlighting the abduction and killing of retired military officers by terrorists and criminal groups. This pattern of attacks on both serving and retired military personnel is seen as a significant threat to national stability, public confidence, and the nation's security framework. The concern arose from a motion by Senator Abdulaziz Yar'Adua following the death of retired Major General Alkali Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who was abducted with his wife in Katsina State on May 30, 2026, and later died in captivity. Senators observed a minute of silence for Major General Abubakar, describing his death as a reflection of the growing insecurity. Lawmakers cited several incidents between January 2023 and May 2026, including the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru and retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere, and the captivity of former National Youth Service Corps Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and retired Major Aja. The Senate warned that the increasing frequency of such attacks represents a dangerous evolution in the nation's security challenges, noting that many victims held sensitive intelligence, operational, and command positions. The Senate emphasized that this insecurity has far-reaching implications for national unity, democratic stability, and public trust. While commending security ag