The Anambra State Government has dismissed allegations that roads constructed under Governor Chukwuma Soludo are substandard, describing criticisms circulating on social media as politically motivated.

The state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Okey Ezeobi, said the administration’s road construction projects remained largely intact, with more than 95 per cent of completed roads reportedly in good condition.

Ezeobi stated this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Awka, where he addressed public concerns over the quality and condition of roads constructed across the state under the Soludo administration.He added that some Federal Government road projects had equally experienced similar challenges due to the impact of the rainfall.

The commissioner said the state government would remove damaged asphalt from affected sections and introduce cement-based stabilisation to address underground water problems and prevent further deterioration.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, while also noting that the South-East had benefited from Federal Government interventions in road construction and infrastructure investment.

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after completing a week-long lesser pilgrimage, known as Umrah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The President arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 8:53pm on Wednesday aboard the presidential Airbus A330-200, according to a brief update by the State House media office.

He was received at the airport by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Education; the Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police; and other senior government officials.

Tinubu had departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah earlier on Wednesday at 5:13pm Saudi time aboard the presidential aircraft.

The presidential visit, which commenced on Thursday last week, was primarily for the performance of Umrah at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram.His comment came days after he formally flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24, ahead of the January 16, 2027 general elections.

Members of the presidential entourage included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States, among other government officials.

The President’s return marks the end of his week-long religious visit to Saudi Arabia as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.

Benin’s President, Romuald Wadagni, has reshuffled the country’s military leadership, nearly a year after a failed coup attempt and amid growing security threats in the West African nation.

Wadagni announced the changes on Wednesday, appointing new heads for the army, air force and navy as his administration intensifies efforts to address security challenges facing the country.

The reshuffle comes months after Beninese soldiers loyal to the government foiled an attempt by some military officers to overthrow former President Patrice Talon in December 2025.

France and Nigeria reportedly supported efforts to prevent the coup.

Following the failed plot, Talon had declared that the situation in the country was “completely under control”, crediting loyalist soldiers with helping to protect his administration.

Wadagni, who served as economy minister under Talon for 10 years, succeeded him as president in April 2026.

Under the latest changes, General Abou Issa has been appointed to replace General Fructeux Gbaguidi as Chief of Army Staff.

Gbaguidi will now serve as the permanent secretary of the National Defence and Security Council.

Wadagni also appointed Colonel Andre Dokoui Fofo as head of the land-based military, while Colonel Herve Setondji Allotchenou will lead the air force.

Captain Dossa Hounkpatin was named the new head of the navy.

The military shake-up comes as Benin faces an increasingly difficult security situation, particularly in its northern regions, where jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have intensified activities across the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.

The worsening security situation is among the major challenges confronting Wadagni, who assumed office in April after spending a decade overseeing the country’s economy.

His administration is also facing diplomatic challenges arising from strained relations with neighbouring Sahel countries, which are currently governed by military juntas.

The juntas have expressed distrust towards Benin over its close relations with France, a development that has complicated regional security cooperation.

The latest military appointments are expected to form part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s defence structure and respond to emerging security threats.