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Tag: Wike

  • Congress: PDP faction in C’River dares Wike

    Congress: PDP faction in C’River dares Wike

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River says the faction loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, will not produce the next state chairman of the party.

    NAN reports that this is the position of the Cross River South Senatorial District of the party following its caucus meeting in Calabar on Wednesday.

    According to Mr Asuquo Ekpo, state’s vice chairman of the PDP, the meeting was convened to deliberate on urgent and important political developments affecting both the senatorial district and the state at large.

    In a communique signed by Ekpo, the party condemned the resolution of the meeting of the faction loyal to Wike held in Abuja, which called for the extension of the tenure of the incumbent chairman of the party in the state.

    He noted that the Venatius Ikem’s led leadership of the state executive was riddled with conflict and divisive tendencies.

    He reaffirmed the caucus commitment to ensure an all-inclusive and rancour-free state congress scheduled for Sept. 27.

    According to him, in line with the national template and resolution of the Cross River special stakeholders meeting, the caucus adopts the existing state party offices allocated to the southern senatorial district

    “The caucus resolved to present a united and formidable front at the forthcoming state congress and recalled the unfortunate experiences of 2023 when the party lost in the South.

    “Consequently, the caucus directed all local government areas in the district to consult widely and put forward their most competent representatives for the Sept. 27 congress.

    “The caucus further reaffirmed its commitment to engage with different local government areas, with a view to accommodating or realigning the zoning as the circumstances may require.”

    He added that the caucus commended the National Woman Leader, Mrs Amina Bryhm, for her bold and decisive steps to ensure stability of the PDP in the state.

    The PDP in Cross River is factioned along the Wike led group and that of the former Vice President, Alh. Abubakar Atiku, who has since defected to the ADC.

  • We will no longer allow anybody to take us for granted – Bala Mohammed to Wike’s camp

    We will no longer allow anybody to take us for granted – Bala Mohammed to Wike’s camp

    Bauchi State Governor and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed has said the party will no longer tolerate those cause problems.

    Reacting to the new set of conditions listed by a group loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for the PDP convention to hold peacefully, Mohammed said leaders of the PDP are not cowards.

    The group, which tagged itself as Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, said having met to review the state of the party and assess the critical issues leading to the forthcoming National Convention, agreed with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which was adopted by NEC that status quo remains, but “we further, and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party.”

    The group also said the National Chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention among others.

    But reacting, Mohammed said, “We cannot continue to keep quiet and allow people to take us to the slaughterhouse.”

    The Governor said, “The National chairman has spoken very well. The pedigree and capacity of the Convention Committee leadership is never in doubt because they have been doing it, they have done it before, and we believe we will do it very well.

    “We are with the National Working Committee. We appreciate the sacrifice they are making. But certainly time has come when we must flex our muscles. We are not cowards and we are not afraid of anybody. We are capable of navigating this party beyond the shenanigans, beyond the arrogance and impunity of some people.

    “We cannot continue to keep quiet and allow people to take us to the slaughterhouse. That is their job. And our job is to make sure we don’t go to slaughterhouses. And we are working as governors and National working committee to ensure that the key word is discipline.

    “We will no longer allow or tolerate anybody to take us for granted. It has to stop. Enough is enough. We are not going to tolerate any longer.”

  • Wike slams N5m fine, 7.5% property charge on land defaulters

    Wike slams N5m fine, 7.5% property charge on land defaulters

    FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has approved and imposed a N5m fine, payable within a period of 30 days, for allottees and land title holders who have contravened the Land Use Act in the FCT.

    Wike gave the approval after receiving a report from the Committee set up to address the abuse of the Land Use Act in the FCT, in his office, on Tuesday.

    He also assented to a 7.5 per cent charge on the Assessed Capital Value of properties converted without the knowledge or express permission of the FCT administration, also payable within 30 days.

    “I am not going to leave anybody to go free. We are looking for money to carry on projects. If you fall into our trap, it’s your business.

    “We are trying to raise money for the FCT. But if you don’t want, we will take back your title, we will sell it, we will still raise money. You have to pay the penalty and pay for the conversion, they are two things.

    “I am aware that certain areas are designated for residential, certain areas are designated for commercial.

    “But people believing that they can do anything without approval from government have changed residential to commercial, some have changed commercial to residential, and some have changed for all kind of mixed uses.”

    Wike said that if such people are not sanctioned,they would continue to default.

    Also speaking,the Chairman of the Land Use and Purposes Clause committee,Mukhtar Galadima ,said the committee found that many properties in some areas have been converted from their original purposes.

    Galadima who is also the  Director Development Control,listed such areas as:Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Street,  Gana Street, among others.

    “Those properties have  been converted to residential, commercial or mixed usage, contravening the original agreements.

    “The total capital value of the said properties amounted to N1,037,478,716,500.”

    Galadima recommended various sanctions on the defaulting title holders, including sealing of property, removal of buildings and structures, revocation, and withdrawal of titles, if they failed to pay the fines.

    “The Committee hereby recommends as follows: That, allottees/title holders of land and properties affected by the land use change/conversion, pay within 30 days from the date of conveyance of approval.

    “They will also pay the Land Use Conversion fee of 7.5% of the assessed Capital Value of the properties as contained in the Schedule/Valuation Report Sheet.

    “That, allottees/title holders of the land and properties affected by the land use change/conversion, in addition to payment of Land Use Conversion fee, pay statutory Right of Occupancy bills applicable for the new land use/purpose clause and as charged for the District;

    “That, where illegal/unapproved extension, merger and subdivision has been established, the allottee/title holder of the property,pay within 30 days from the date of conveyance of approval”

    Galadima said that extension/merger/ subdivision fee of the extant 2.0 per cent  of the assessed Capital Value of the properties as contained in the Schedule/Valuation Report Sheet would also be paid.

  • 2027: Those people pushing Jonathan played him in 2015 – Wike

    2027: Those people pushing Jonathan played him in 2015 – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has warned former President Goodluck Jonathan from being pushed to run for president in 2027

    Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, he charged the former president not to allow himself to be used again by politicians who deceived him in the past.

    “I know Jonathan very well. He has international respect and should maintain that. These same people weighing Jonathan down are the ones who played him in 2015.

    “They are only trying to cause confusion in the party.

    “People pushing Jonathan, what strength do they have? Were they not the same people who worked against him in 2015?

    “Those calling for a Jonathan candidacy are the same political actors who ‘played him’ during the 2015 elections.”

    Wike also distanced himself from contesting for the presidency in 2027.

    He explained that he won’t run for president because he works for President Bola Tinubu and has integrity to protect.

    Wike said: “I have integrity, I have character. The person who appointed me is there. We are saying he should run.

    “Then I will turn around to say I want to run? What kind of thing is that? How will my children even look at me? I will not run for president.”

  • Reps SS Caucus Chairman, Agbedi reveals why Wike was not punished over alleged anti-party activities

    Reps SS Caucus Chairman, Agbedi reveals why Wike was not punished over alleged anti-party activities

    Chairman of the South-South Caucus of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fred Agbedi, has revealed why ex- Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike was not sanctioned during the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja on Monday.

    According to him, Wike is not the only member of the party that has committed and is still committing anti-party, adding that even to date, some leaders of the party were campaigning for the incumbent government.

    However, the lawmaker said the PDP now understands the kind of crisis it is going through and is trying to resolve.

    He said that there is every indication that the PDP, known to be the main opposition party in Nigeria, will emerge stronger, united, and well-organised ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking about internal conflicts and anti-party activities even by some governors elected on the party’s platform, the lawmaker explained that the party’s focus is on rebuilding its structure for now and will not be chasing those individuals.

    “It’s not about Wike alone. It is beyond Wike. You know, there are a lot of others who have played anti-party in one way or the other, who are members of PDP, who are saying, ‘No, no, no, I’m going to support so-and-so person, I’m going to vote for so-and-so person.’

    “That’s clearly anti-party. But because PDP understands the kind of crisis it is going through and is resolving, it will not be chasing those people.

    “Rather, it will organize itself first before it thinks of the appropriate way to deal with matters like that.

    “There are certain decisions that if you are the leader, you cannot take in a hurry. You take time, you navigate the contour in such a way that if you are taking a decision, the decision will lead you to land safely.

    “As of today, I don’t think that the priority of PDP will be to drive one person or the other out of the party.

    “We know those who are playing some excessive roles, some actions that are inimical to the destruction or survival of the party.

    “We’re taking note. And I’m sure that at the appropriate time, appropriate actions will be taken by the party.”

  • South Presidency: Has PDP not come back to eat its own vomit – Wike’s aide

    South Presidency: Has PDP not come back to eat its own vomit – Wike’s aide

    Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has reacted to the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone the party’s presidential ticket to the South.

    Olayinka, in a statement on Monday, said the party’s decision not to zone the ticket to the South for the 2023 polls resulted in its electoral misfortune.

    “Now that the party has realised its mistake of not listening to Wike and the G-5 in 2022, and has chosen to do what they said, three years later, have they not been vindicated now?

    “Recall that the FCT Minister and the G-5 had insisted that the presidential candidate of the PDP and its national chairman must not remain in the same zone, insisting that since Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, from the North had emerged as the presidential candidate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, also from the North must resign to pave the way for a National Chairman from the South.

    “Ayu, however, insisted on not resigning, with Atiku and his group backing him. Aftermath of this was the electoral misfortune the party suffered in 2023, followed by instability after the elections,” Olayinka said.

    The minister’s aide also said that the PDP had realised its mistake but wondered if the party’s decision was not already too late.

    He stated, “Has PDP not come back to eat its own vomit? Sadly, they know the truth. Wike simply said, ‘Take the chairmanship to the South if you want to gain the presidency.’ But they said no, they must take the two, and the PDP lost!

    “They have realised the mistake they made in 2022 and are correcting it in 2025. But is it not too late already, bearing in mind that the only way the zoning can be justified is for the South to conclude its eight years, while the presidency returns to the North in 2031?”

    The PDP on Monday zoned the party’s presidential slot for the 2027 poll to the southern part of the country.

    The party also insisted that the chairmanship position would remain in the North.

    This decision was reached as party leaders held their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

    The NEC also affirmed Umar Damagum as its substantive national chairman.

  • Babachir thought Tinubu would choose him as VP – Wike reveals

    Babachir thought Tinubu would choose him as VP – Wike reveals

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has revealed that a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal has been criticising the current administration after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose Kashim Shettima ahead of him as Vice President.

    Wike disclosed while fielding questions on a national television programme yesterday that Lawal visited him in his Port Harcourt, Rivers State residence shortly after Kashim Shettima was announced as Tinubu’s running mate.

    “Babachir came to my house in Port Harcourt with a former Speaker of the House of Representatives. His grievance was clear. He thought Mr. President would choose him as vice president.

    “Having not been picked, he let loose. That is the root of his bitterness,” Wike said.

    He faulted Lawal for resorting to “abuse rather than genuine criticism,” stressing that the former SGF’s harsh words about the president were unbecoming.

    “This is unfortunate,” Wike said. “How can a man who once dined with the President come out to call him arrogant simply because he was not chosen? Nigerians must see through that.”

    Lawal had, while featuring on the same television programme last week, also said that the results of the 2023 presidential election in his possession showed that Tinubu did win. He added that he would have either resigned or been sacked if he had been made a member of the Federal Executive Council.

  • No amount of blackmail will distract me – Wike

    No amount of blackmail will distract me – Wike

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that no amount of blackmail or sponsored protests  would distract him from delivering development to the people of Abuja.

    Wike made this known during the Inauguration of Phase2 water project, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Mr Minister said he observed several media reports focusing on alleged debts owed to “local contractors,”.

    He stressed that he would not be intimidated into paying claims that were never legitimately awarded.

    “Let anybody who says I awarded them contracts bring the documents.

    “Many of the so-called debts were generated by civil servants who sat in their offices awarding contracts of N10 million  N15 million, or N20 million without ministerial approval.

    “Now they want to blackmail the Minister into paying. Certainly, that will not happen. Nobody can intimidate me.

    “This is corruption fighting back against my reforms, but I will  defeat it,”he said.

    Wike said that under his leadership, funds  were being channeled into meaningful capital projects that impact the lives of residents, not frivolous recurrent expenses.

    He disclosed that before his administration came on board, the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) stood at about N9 billion monthly, but has now risen to over N30 billion.

    “If we were not prudent, how we have been able to fund the massive infrastructure we are commissioning today? Those protesting are not genuine contractors.

    “Look at their faces, do they look like those who built the roads we are commissioning? They were sponsored by those who benefitted from past corruption,” Wike said.

    The minister added that Abuja’s abandoned projects were a result of funds being diverted into unnecessary expenses like frequent foreign trips and inflated procurement of items such as computers.

    “This is not a beauty contest. I am not here to be loved. I am here to work. Carry your love and go, I want results.

    “The only love I want is for residents to feel the impact of governance: roads, schools, hospitals, water, and security. That is development,”he said.

    Wike further recalled his past experiences in public service, emphasising that he has never allowed vested interests or power brokers to control him.

    “From my days as a council chairman till now, I have never allowed anyone to dictate to me.

    “Pray 24 hours, it won’t change anything. What is right will be done, and what is wrong will not pass. Abuja must change, and we will change it,” he insisted.

    Wike affirmed that, by the time he leaves office, history would record his administration as one that restored discipline, blocked waste, and redirected resources into tangible development for the Federal Capital Territory.

  • Wike didn’t award N5bn contracts – Aide

    Wike didn’t award N5bn contracts – Aide

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the Minister awarded N5 billion in contracts.

    He described the allegation that the contracts were given to local contractors as false and without evidence.

    Olayinka made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja, describing the claim as baseless and urging anyone with evidence to produce official documents showing such contract approvals.

    He explained that in Dec. 2023, a bill of about N10 billion was presented to the Minister as outstanding payments for projects carried out by local contractors before Wike assumed office.

    “The category of these projects was referred to as “Shopping” or “Minor Procurement.”

    “In the same Dec. 2023, payment of more than N5 billion was approved by the Minister and was made immediately.

    “In Jan. 2024, an additional payment of more than N5 billion was made, fully clearing the N10 billion outstanding,” Olayinka stated.

    He added that three months later, another bill of more than N15 billion was submitted, again under the Minor Procurement category, prompting the Minister to question who had approved such contracts.

    “How can you claim to have carried out jobs worth more than N15 billion within three months, without the Minister’s approval?

    “How can you accumulate more than N15 billion debts on contracts within that period?

    “From N15 billion to N8 billion and now N5 billion, the question is, on whose authority were these contracts awarded?” he queried.

    Olayinka stressed that the questions must be answered, insisting that the issue lied in accountability, not speculation.

    “Those are the questions they have to answer first,” he said.

  • Tinubu appointed Wike for a purpose, he’ll remove him – Sule Lamido

    Tinubu appointed Wike for a purpose, he’ll remove him – Sule Lamido

    The former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike for his political interest.

    Lamido made this assertion while speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Tuesday night.

    According to him, Tinubu appointed Wike for a specific political purpose, and once it is accomplished, the former Rivers State governor will be dismissed.

    “Tinubu was looking for someone who will help him in his political interest,” Lamido said.

    “The whole appointment of Wike was to make sure Tinubu secures the South-South.

    “So far, he has been able to get Akwa Ibom and Edo states. Wike already has Rivers State.

    “By the time Tinubu is able to secure the South-South in his own basket, Wike will become irrelevant, and he will remove him.

    “He appointed Wike for a purpose, gave him an office for a purpose; by the time the purpose is no more, that’s the end of it.”