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Tag: FCT

  • Nasarawa govt explains Sule’s visit to Wike

    Nasarawa govt explains Sule’s visit to Wike

    The Nasarawa government says the visit of Gov. Abdullahi Sule to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike was to discuss development and not politics.

    Mr Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Sule on Public Affairs, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lafia.

    Ahemba was reacting to allegation by Mr Francis Orogu, the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the visit was in connection with the ongoing dispute at the

    governorship elections petitions tribunal.

    He described the allegation as false, saying that the governor visited the minister to solicit for collaboration on the proposed metro line project from Apo in Abuja to Keffi in Nasarawa.

    Ahemba said that the governor was also seeking for collaboration with the FCT administration to build a 13,000-hectare Mega City in Gurku/Kabusu that was only five kilometers away from Maitama.

    The governor’s aide said that the collaboration became imperative because about 49 per cent of workers in FCT lived in Nasarawa.

    He added that the Sule-led administration would remain steadfast and shall resist being dragged into joining issues with the opposition because it considered that as distraction.

    “It is on records that the state has witnessed development in the areas of security, infrastructure, industrialization, investment, human capital development, agriculture, health, education among others since assumption to office in 2019.

    “The government decided to put the record straight for the sake of the unsuspecting members of the public, who might be misled by the serial false alarm,” he added.

    Ahemba also said that Nasarawa was one of the peaceful and safest states in Nigeria, because of the measures put on ground by the governor.

  • Wike presents vehicles to 3rd class chiefs in FCT

    Wike presents vehicles to 3rd class chiefs in FCT

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday presented 10 vehicles to 3rd Class Chiefs in the federal capital and promised improved welfare for traditional leaders.

    The 3rd Class chiefs were from Gomani, Yaba, Bwari, Pai, Garki, Jiwa, Wako, Rubochi, Gwargwada and Zuba Chiefdoms.

    Wike explained, while handing over the Nissan Semi SUV keys to the traditional rulers in Abuja, that the gesture was part of government efforts to ease the mobility of the traditional leaders.

    He said that the government has a responsibility to encourage traditional leaders by providing them all the necessary logistics to enable them to do their work diligently and with ease.

    “Part of that is mobility. I can’t see how traditional rulers will be boarding taxis or entering public transport. That is unacceptable.

    “President Bola Tinubu has directed that that should not be allowed to continue. Has asked that we must do everything possible to make it convenient and easy for you to do your assignment,” he said.

    He said that in line with the renewed agenda of Tinubu, every stakeholder has a role to play, including traditional rulers, particularly in the area of security.

    “You know your communities better than anybody; you know the people within their communities, so you will be able to identify those who look like strangers.

    “No agency will perform its function without the support of traditional rulers, and we believe that we must partner together to achieve the fight against insecurity.

    “So, today we are going to hand over 10 vehicles to you to please help in supporting the government to fight insecurity in your domain. Be sure that we are going to work together.

    “If we don’t work together, we will not achieve results, because everybody is important in the fight against insecurity,” Wike said.

    The minister also disclosed that Tinubu has directed the FCTA to make traditional rulers very comfortable by augmenting the little allowances the Area Councils were providing them.

    He said: “We will soon meet with the Area Councils’ chairmen and the traditional rulers so that we can work out strategies for the welfare package and what role you will play to assist the government to achieve its renewed agenda.

    “The new agender is that things must work.

    “The Mandate Secretaries have been appointed and sworn in. I don’t want to hear any excuses from any department.

    “We are not here to give excuses; we know there are challenges before we came here. It is our duty to solve these challenges,” Wike said.

    Responding, the Chairman, FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, thanked the minister for the support and pledged the support of traditional rulers to move FCT forward.

    NAN

  • FCT: We will give attention to development of satellite towns – Wike

    FCT: We will give attention to development of satellite towns – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike said that the FCT Administration would give due attention to the development of satellite towns.

    Wike stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of Mandate Secretaries for the FCT Administration.

    He said that the prosperity and well- being of the residents extend beyond the city center, stressing the need to ensure that all areas of the FCT experience progress and development.

    The Mandate Secretaries inaugurated are Mr Bitrus Garki, Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Mr Lawan Geidam, Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat and Mr Danlami Ihayyo, Secretary, Education Secretariat.

    Others are Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary, Health and Environment Services Secretariat, Mr Salman Dako, Secretary, Legal Services Secretariat, Mr Chinedum Elechi, Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership.

    Mr Uboku Nyah was also inaugurated as Secretary, Transportation Secretariat.

    Wike stressed the need for them to address issues affecting delivery of services in FCT Administration particularly procurement process.

    He said, “transparency, efficiency, and accountability must become the cornerstones of our administration.

    “As mandate secretaries, your role in this journey of transformation is pivotal. You are not only advisors but also leaders and implementers of our policies.

    “You have a duty to translate our vision into tangible actions that will shape the future of the FCT.

    “Our President has entrusted us with the monumental task of rebuilding and developing the FCT into a world-class city.

    “To achieve this, we must address several key areas that are essential for the progress of our city and the well-being of our residents.

    He added that part of the mission includes the enhancement of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), through innovative ways to raise the needed funds to support the development agenda.

    This, according to him, is crucial to finance ambitious projects and initiatives.

    The minister identified public transportation as a major challenge that must be addressed comprehensively.

    According to him, no modern city can function effectively and efficiently without a reliable and comprehensive public transportation system.

    He reiterated the Administration’s commitment to establishing an integrated and efficient transport network that meets the needs of residents.

    On environment, he said that clean and well-maintained surroundings were not only a reflection of a city’s pride but also a fundamental requirement for a healthy and prosperous community.

    He said that it was a collective responsibility of both the government and the citizens, stressing the need for collaboration to ensure a cleaner and greener FCT.

    The minister promised to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies and communities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

    “In addition to these, we will place significant emphasis on the social sector. There is a pressing need to uplift our education, agriculture, and health sectors to world-class standards.

    “A well- educated and healthy population is the foundation of any prosperous city, and we must provide our citizens with access to quality education, healthcare, and agricultural opportunities.

    “Furthermore, our tourism sector holds tremendous potential for economic growth and job creation.

    “We will work diligently to promote and develop our unique cultural and natural assets to attract both local and international visitors, thereby boosting our economy,” he said.

    Wike said that all infractions on the Abuja master plan would be dealt with decisively, and non-compliant buildings would be subject to appropriate measures, including removal and penalties.

    He added that relevant laws would also be closely examined and strengthened, to close loopholes that offenders may exploit to the detriment of the Administration and the people of the FCT.

  • FCTA releases list of 135 roads for rehabilitation, resurfacing in FCT

    FCTA releases list of 135 roads for rehabilitation, resurfacing in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has released the list of some of the 135 roads inaugurated for rehabilitation and resurfacing in Wuse, Garki, Gwarimpa and Maitama Districts.

    The Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, who inaugurated Phase I of the projects on Monday, gave the contractors six-month completion timeline.

    The list of the streets for rehabilitation and resurfacing obtained by NAN in Abuja on Tuesday, showed that most of the projects would be executed in Wuse District.

    In Wuse Zone 1, the streets to be rehabilitated include Daloa, Kayes, Umme, Bumbuna, Masana, Badundu, Oran, Sawhaj, Arusha Crescent, Sunyani, Bamako, Takorade, Dakar, Bulawayo, Soka, Darioa, Kaolack, Kigali, and Gonder Street.

    In Zone II,  the streets are Kribi, Kumba, Touggourf, Kisumu, Gaborone, Faranah, Gabes, Lavumisa, Niami, Johannesbourg, Angola, Korhogo, Bechar, Senanga, Hargeysa and 2, Khartoum, and Damba Street.

    In Zone 3, six streets would be rehabilitated or resurfaced namely Idimba, Port Loko, Ndele, Yele, Al-Fayyun, and Aswan.

    The streets for rehabilitation in Zone 4 include Mandingou, Lubumbashi, Port Said, Mogadishu, Shinyanga, Sfax, Zinglunchor, Kitwe, Elminya Close, Sefadu, Meknes, Safi, Mbala, Gwelo, Melange, Savalou, Sheraton and Yar’adua Road.

    A total of five roads would be rehabilitated in Zone 5 namely Doula Streets, Mombasa Street, Windhoek Street, Boffa street and Jessaoua Close.

    In Zone six, the streets for rehabilitation are Cotonou, Yaounde, Makeni, Massenya, Annaba, Bukoma, Mobondo, Mbabani, Diovo, Berbera, Chiongola, Jima, Kinshahsha, Bouake, Rabat, Tanga, Timbuktu, Zinder, Rumbek, Zuwai, Beyia, and Tema.

    Others are Diredawa Street, Kalemie, Asmara, Mbandaka, Macenata/Welkom, Harare, Tripoli, Maseru, Iringa, and Dodoma Streets.

    For Zone 7, the streets include Lome, Harper, Huambo, Ndola, Sokode, Sirasso and Bambari Crescents, Masaka Close and Dalaba Street.

    In Garki District, Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Garki II would be rehabilitated, while Strabag Road, Gwarimpa Life-Camp would also be rehabilitated.

    In Maitama, the roads are N16 Road, Maitama Roundabout and N11/B4 (Ahmadu Bello Way/This Day Dome Junction) Maitama, Junction between Ring Road 1/Tafawa Balewa Way Area 3-Garki.

    Others are House 14, 1 and 2, off Jere Street, behind Rita Lori Hotel.

    Wike had explained during the inauguration that the projects were in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu administration.

  • Wike vows to develop Abuja satellite towns

    Wike vows to develop Abuja satellite towns

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike said that the FCT Administration would give due attention to the development of satellite towns.

    Wike stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of Mandate Secretaries for the FCT Administration.

    He said that the prosperity and well- being of the residents extend beyond the city center, stressing the need to ensure that all areas of the FCT experience progress and development.

    The Mandate Secretaries inaugurated are Mr Bitrus Garki, Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Mr Lawan Geidam, Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat and Mr Danlami Ihayyo, Secretary, Education Secretariat.

    Others are Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary, Health and Environment Services Secretariat, Mr Salman Dako, Secretary, Legal Services Secretariat, Mr Chinedum Elechi, Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership.

    Mr Uboku Nyah was also inaugurated as Secretary, Transportation Secretariat.

    Wike stressed the need for them to address issues affecting delivery of services in FCT Administration particularly procurement process.

    He said, “transparency, efficiency, and accountability must become the cornerstones of our administration.

    “As mandate secretaries, your role in this journey of transformation is pivotal. You are not only advisors but also leaders and implementers of our policies.

    “You have a duty to translate our vision into tangible actions that will shape the future of the FCT.

    “Our President has entrusted us with the monumental task of rebuilding and developing the FCT into a world-class city.

    “To achieve this, we must address several key areas that are essential for the progress of our city and the well-being of our residents.

    He added that part of the mission includes the enhancement of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), through innovative ways to raise the needed funds to support the development agenda.

    This, according to him, is crucial to finance ambitious projects and initiatives.

    The minister identified public transportation as a major challenge that must be addressed comprehensively.

    According to him, no modern city can function effectively and efficiently without a reliable and comprehensive public transportation system.

    He reiterated the Administration’s commitment to establishing an integrated and efficient transport network that meets the needs of residents.

    On environment, he said that clean and well-maintained surroundings were not only a reflection of a city’s pride but also a fundamental requirement for a healthy and prosperous community.

    He said that it was a collective responsibility of both the government and the citizens, stressing the need for collaboration to ensure a cleaner and greener FCT.

    The minister promised to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies and communities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

    “In addition to these, we will place significant emphasis on the social sector. There is a pressing need to uplift our education, agriculture, and health sectors to world-class standards.

    “A well- educated and healthy population is the foundation of any prosperous city, and we must provide our citizens with access to quality education, healthcare, and agricultural opportunities.

    “Furthermore, our tourism sector holds tremendous potential for economic growth and job creation.

    “We will work diligently to promote and develop our unique cultural and natural assets to attract both local and international visitors, thereby boosting our economy,” he said.

    Wike said that all infractions on the Abuja master plan would be dealt with decisively, and non-compliant buildings would be subject to appropriate measures, including removal and penalties.

    He added that relevant laws would also be closely examined and strengthened, to close loopholes that offenders may exploit to the detriment of the Administration and the people of the FCT.

  • BREAKING: Teachers in Abuja go on strike

    BREAKING: Teachers in Abuja go on strike

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has directed its members across the six area councils to proceed on an industrial strike from today, September 11.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Union gave directives for the strike, following an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) held at Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada.

    It was learnt that the teachers called for the strike over non-payment of 25 months’ salary arrears and the non-implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance by the council chairmen.

    “The SWEC in-session resolved to direct all primary school teachers to embark on an infinite strike action from Monday, September 11, 2023,” the communique issued at the end of the meeting reads in part.

    The communique, which was jointly signed by the NUT State Chairman, Comrade Stephen Knabayi and Secretary, Margaret F. Jethro, added that the council chairmen had also failed to pay other outstanding allowances.

    They said these included non-implementation of promotion arrears, non-upgrading of concerned teachers, non-implementation of annual increments, non-implementation of promotion letters released for teachers, among others.

    “And having explored and exhausted all available avenues of getting these outstanding demands of the concerned teachers met without the desired result including non-commitment of the councils to the welfare of primary school teachers, the SWEC in-session resolved to direct all primary school teachers to embark on an infinite strike action from Monday; September 11, 2023,” the communique read in part.

    The Union vowed not to call off the strike until its demands are met while calling on parents across the FCT to remain guided by keeping their wards and children safe at home.

    FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike is expected to wade into the issue to ensure children in the FCT’s public primary schools return to their classrooms in earnest.

    TNG reports both secondary and primary schools in the FCT resume today for the first term of the 2023/2024 academic session.

  • PEPC verdict fallout: FCT indigenes demand for gov, Reps, assembly to bear real status

    PEPC verdict fallout: FCT indigenes demand for gov, Reps, assembly to bear real status

    Following last Wednesday PEPC Ruling, which declares that the FCT is not superior to any state in Nigeria, aborigines of the territory have gone to court to demand for their appropriate status.

    They’re demanding for governor, 3 senators, Reps, state assembly, after tribunal confirmed FCT has no special status over other states.

    Original inhabitants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have concluded plans to approach the court to seek an order mandating the Federal government of Nigeria and the National Assembly to let them produce their governor, three Senators, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly members, respectively.

    According to a post made on his verified X account formerly known as Twitter, Daniel Bwala, former spokesman of Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, said they made the demand following the Presidential Petition Tribunal Court’s judgment, which states that Abuja is just like any other state

    “Following the Presidential Election Petition Court’s judgment which states to the effect that Abuja is just like any other state; I am hearing that the natives of Abuja are approaching the court for an order mandating FGN to let them produce their Governor and 3 Senators amongst other peculiarities of a state. What is good for Guinea is also good for Uganda.”

    Meanwhile, the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal has ruled that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has no special status over other 36 states of the federation over the 25% required votes in the presidential election held on February 25.

    The court, in its ruling on Wednesday, says the FCT is not superior to any state.

    The tribunal said the Labour Party’s “interpretation of 134(2)(b) of the constitution is completely fallacious, if not outrightly ridiculous.” Section 134 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) stipulates that a presidential candidate must attain or score a majority of votes cast in a presidential election, where two or more candidates are involved, and at least 25% in two-thirds of the 36 States and FCT to meet the constitutional requirement to be declared as duly elected as President of Nigeria

    Recall that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party was the only candidate in the February 25th election with up to 25% votes in the FCT. He won about 59 per cent of the votes cast in the FCT, which neither President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (19 per cent) nor Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (15 per cent) scored.

  • AMAC begins implementation of Park and Pay Policy – Chairman

    AMAC begins implementation of Park and Pay Policy – Chairman

    Mr Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) says the Park and Pay policy in the City Center and some other parts of the FCT began on Friday.

    Maikalangu said this while addressing a news conference at the council secretariat on Friday in Abuja.

    The chairman, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Inyang, Supervisory Councillor, Special Duties, AMAC, said that FCT Administration and other stakeholders have been briefed on the policy.

    He said the policy falls within the jurisdiction of the area council as enshrined in the constitution and bye-law of the area council.

    The chairman said that sign posts have been planted in areas where the policy would be executed.

    He listed the areas to include: City center, Garki, Asokoro, and Maitama.

    He added that a court judgement in 2014, upheld that the rights to collect such tax falls under the purview of the area council.

    “AMAC as a council has decided to start the park and pay scheme and we are doing this with a human face, as it comes with a very little amount of money to those who will be parking around the stipulated areas.

    “A token of 100 naira per hour will be charged and we don’t want anybody to pay cash. You can pay through the POS and we have made it easy as you can pay monthly or yearly and get your tickets from the officials that AMAC has mandated to carry out the exercise.

    “We want to inform the residents that the park and pay policy has started today, Sept. 1.

    “This is also to curtail indiscriminate parking, car theft, congestion in the city and promoting sanitation in the capital city,”he said.

    He appealed to residents to cooperate with the officials enforcing the policy as all revenue received will be used for infrastructural development of rural areas in the council.

    “Very soon, we will be rolling out scholarship scheme for indigenes and non-indigenes of the area council and empowerment scheme for women.

    “We have already constructed roads and some are still on-going, we have so many things on water projects, provision of drugs in our hospitals and provided employment for our youths, among others.

    “We are pleading with Nigerians not to take laws into their hands, as defaulters would be fined and charged to mobile courts.

    “For places within the city where some vehicles are parked, especially organisations which do not have enough parking spaces, we have made provision to have a corporate parking agreement with those organisations, where a negotiable amount of money will be charged,”he said.

     

  • Why we invaded NURTW secretariat – FCT Police

    Why we invaded NURTW secretariat – FCT Police

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says the deployment of its personnel to the Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was done as a proactive step to forestall violence.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “The deployment of police personnel to the NURTW secretariat is not an act of interference in the internal affairs of the union.

    “It is a proactive step to forestall any potential violence or illegal actions that could arise from disputes within the union,” she said.

    Adeh said the clarification followed concern raised by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero over the deployment of police personnel to the union secretariat.

    Ajero had alleged that the deployment was an alleged attempt to dethrone a legally elected leadership of the union.

    Adeh said the role of the police in a crisis situation was to ensure that disputes were resolved peacefully and in accordance with the law.

    “If there are concerns about the legality of any actions taken, the appropriate legal channels should be pursued.

    “The police will not fold its hands and allow the leadership  feud between the two groups to degenerate into a break down of law and order.

    “It is the police’s constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order,” she added.

    The police stormed the NURTW headquarters in Abuja on Friday evening.

    The development came barely two days after the NURTW president, Mr Tajudeen  Baruwa, raised an alarm over alleged plot by some persons and groups to stage a protest at the national secretariat of the union located in Garki 2 district of Abuja.

  • FCT to reintroduce monthly sanitation – Wike

    FCT to reintroduce monthly sanitation – Wike

    Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, says the ministry has concluded plans to reintroduce monthly sanitation as part of strategies to keep the city clean.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Monday, after a closed-door meeting with contractors handling different projects in the FCT.

    He said that he had already briefed President Bola Tinubu on the idea that at least two Saturdays in a month would be declared for sanitation from 7a.m. to 10 a.m.

    He explained that the move would enable companies supporting the FCT with logistics to go to market, and other public places to evacuate refuse.

    According to him, for Abuja to be clean, everybody has to cooperate.

    “We must all make sacrifices. There is nothing like we are going to suffer. You also contribute to refuse.

    “So, if you spare three hours on a Saturday at home, to clear the refuse and bring them out for us to evacuate and dispose, then that is the little way you can help.

    “We are appealing to you (residents) to cooperate with us so we can achieve our goals.”

    On streetlights, the minister said that there were some improvements: “We are not there yet, but I can assure you that everywhere in Abuja will be lit up.”

    For those who have distorted the Abuja Master Plan, Wike said that the issue would soon be addressed.

    He added that the Federal Capital Territory Administration was working out which areas the parks and the greens were supposed to be and those that were built on.

    He also said that the government would look into those who refused to develop their plots for many years.

    Wike said that the President Tinubu-led administration would not continue to allow undeveloped land across the city where criminals were taking refuge.

    “How can you have empty land in the city and allow people to build shanties on them because you did not develop them.

    “Some properties were built for 20 years but not completed. Go and see what is happening there, criminals have taken over the place and as a serious government, we will not allow that.

    “We want to make Abuja a safe environment, but we can’t do it alone; we require the support of every stakeholder,” the minister said.

    He also said that attention would be given to satellite towns beginning with a visit to the areas to determine the needs and decide on what can be done to improve their facilities and infrastructure.

    He pointed out that there was no funding to intervene in all the satellite towns at the same time but one at a time subject to the availability of funds.

    “It is unfortunate that contracts were awarded in virtually all the satellite towns but where is the funding?  The finding is not there,” Wike said.

    He said that what was approved for FCT in the 2022 national budget was N15 billion for “not less than a trillion naira worth of contracts”, stressing the need for the ministry to prioritise its spending.