The Federal Government has shut down the Eko Bridge and ramps for eight weeks to resurface the essential asphalt.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made this known in a statement on Saturday morning in Lagos.

Kesha added that the closure will take effect from Friday, September 20, to Wednesday, November 20.

The statement read, “The Federal Ministry of Works plans essential asphalt resurfacing work on the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks, effective from Friday, Sept. 20, by 7.00 a.m., through November 20.

“The closure will be full at some sections of the bridge and partial at other sections.

“This critical project aims to improve road safety and enhance the driving experience of motorists.

“The work involves milling of the existing asphalt and relaying new asphalt on the bridge and Ramps. This will address wear and tear and ensure a smoother, safer roadway.”

According to her, due to the closure, there will be detours and alternate routes for drivers.

Providing information on how to navigate the area during the closure, she said motorists going to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should use the service lane at Alaka to connect Costain and access Eko Bridge.

“Island: Access Costain to connect Eko Bridge and link Apongbon

“Apongbon inwards Eko Bridge: Link Costain to access Funsho Williams Avenue

“For Costain inwards Alaka/Funsho Williams Avenue: Pass through Apapa Road from Costain and link Oyingbo to access Adekunle, then link to the Third Mainland Bridge

“Surulere: Use Costain to link Breweries inwards the Abebe Village to connect Eric Moore/Bode Thomas,” she said.

Kesha urged residents and businesses in the affected area to plan their travel accordingly. She assured the public that appropriate signage and traffic control measures would be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians.

She apologised for any inconvenience this might cause, saying that she appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as the ministry works to improve the country’s infrastructure.

Security personnel foiled an assassination attempt by armed men suspected to be political thugs on a federal lawmaker representing the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State, Henry Okojie.

Okojie’s media aide, Michael Ihaza, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, saying that Okojie, the husband of the Nollywood movie Star, Mercy Johnson, was reportedly attacked at his residence by gunmen in a Lexus GX 470 carrying a Rivers State vehicle registration number – PHC 253 FF.

The statement noted that the planned assassination “was unsuccessful owing to the intervention of security personnel attached to the lawmaker”.

“The armed thugs who disguised as police officers along with two others, invaded the residence of Hon. Okojie, claimed to be on appointment and proceeded to the seating room.

“Following the intervention of the security personnel attached to the lawmaker, two of the armed thugs fled leaving behind the driver and another who are currently being interrogated by officers from the Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Uromi.

“The suspects have so far made a confessional statement stating that they were sent on the mission by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Esan North East Local Government Area,” the statement added.

Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Command for comments were not successful.

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in Edo state during the governorship election.

In a statement on Friday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the restriction will begin from 6am to 6pm on Saturday.

Adejobi said individuals on essential services like officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited media personnel, and emergency responders are exempted from the restriction.

The force spokesperson reaffirmed the ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling units and collation centers.

Adejobi said unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election.

“In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6am to 6pm on election Day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders,” the statement reads.

“To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres.

“Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.

“Furthermore, the IGP has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all.

“The inspector-general of police, through the deputy inspector-general (DIG) for Edo gubernatorial election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes.

“The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are: DIG Frank Mba, mni; 07025000383 and AIG Benneth Igwe, mni; 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already-activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.”

On Saturday, voters in Edo will determine who succeeds Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, for the next four years from the 17 political parties participating in the election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) are the leading political parties in the election.