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Tag: Wike

  • Wike sends strong message to Abuja criminals ahead of yuletide

    Wike sends strong message to Abuja criminals ahead of yuletide

    Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vowed to deal with criminals in the nation’s capital this season.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the former Rivers governor while inaugurating the construction of a 15-kilometre road from Abuja to Lokoja Expressway (A2) to Pai in the Kwali Area Council of the FCT disclosed the various plans that have been put to fight crime this yuletide.

    According to the minister, they had just concluded the distribution of additional operational vehicles to security agencies to enable them, deal with criminals, ensuring they have no hiding place.

    The minister further commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts to improve the security situation in the city centre and the area councils.

    He said, “This will make sure that criminals will not have any breathing space in the FCT as far as this December is concerned.

    “We will make sure they will not have anywhere to hide. 

    “So, I thank you for the job you are doing.” 

  • Wike backs Tinubu’s move for local gov’t autonomy

    Wike backs Tinubu’s move for local gov’t autonomy

    Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday, threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to actualise local government autonomy.

    Wike disclosed this at the inauguration of the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, on Monday.

    The Minister, who said he had no apology backing the move for local government autonomy, urged residents of local government areas to hold their council leaders accountable.

    He lauded the good working relationship he and the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, have with the chairmen of the six area councils of the FCT.

    “Since we were appointed as ministers, we have worked together, they have collaborated with us.

    “I stand to challenge anybody, since we came as ministers, I don’t even know how much they get. I have never bothered to ask, and I am not interested to know.

    “I have my own allocation; they have their own allocation and that is why I supported Mr President, and I have no apology to anybody.

    “What they do with their allocations, let the people ask them; let them be accountable to their people and let us be accountable to what has been given to us,” Wike said.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, had on Aug. 21, inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to enforce July 11 Supreme Court’s judgement, granting financial autonomy to Local Governments in Nigeria.

    The goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.

    The move is in line with Tinubu’s efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognises local governments as the third tier of government.

  • Wike orders maximum security for FCTA demolition team in Lugbe

    Wike orders maximum security for FCTA demolition team in Lugbe

    Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has directed security agencies to provide maximum security to the FCT Administration’s team, currently demolishing illegal properties in Sabon Lugbe constructed by land grabbers.

    Wike gave the directive when he visited the demolition site in Abuja on Tuesday, along with Guards Brigade Commander and Director, FCT Security Services Department.

    Other security agencies in the entourage are Commissioner of Police, FCT, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other FCTA officials.

    NAN reports that the FCTA Department of Development Control had on Oct.17, begun the demolition of illegal buildings on lands that were illegally acquired by land grabbers.

    A total of 50 duplexes and bungalows were being demolished to ensure total recovery of the land.

    Wike expressed dismay that the investors moved into the site and commenced development without relevant approvals.

    Fuming, the minister insisted that all land must be recovered from the grabbers.

    He directed security agencies to ensure that all threats around the areas were removed to pave the way for the demolition team to carry out their work.

    Noting that that land was already dotted with about 50 duplexes and bungalows of different designs, Wike challenged the developers who claimed to have acquired necessary approvals to come forward with the documents.

    According to the minister, the FCT Administration will not condone any act of illegal acquisition of lands and contravention of procedures for development.

    NAN recalls that the Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, who led the exercise, had explained that the structures were illegally erected by land grabbers without approval of appropriate authorities.

    Galadima explained that the illegal construction in the southwest area of Sabon Lugbe was part of Phase 5 District of the Federal Capital City (FCC).

    He said that the department had warned that it would bounce on land grabbers in the area and advised people against buying any property without due diligence to ensure its legality.

  • Rivers Crisis: Call Wike to order, INC urges Tinubu

    Rivers Crisis: Call Wike to order, INC urges Tinubu

     

    The Ijaw National Congress (INC) worldwide has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to order over lingering crises in Rivers.

    Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, INC,  made the appeal at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Wike and Gov. Siminialayi Fubara are at loggerheads over the control of political machinery in the oil-rich state.

    Okaba said INC was concerned that if left unchecked the political crisis could affect other parts of the country.

    ‘’Mr President, sir, as the father of the nation, the alter ego of Nigeria, we are fervently appealing to you to call the FCT Minister to order.

    “This is for the sake of peace and security in Nigeria. Stop this drift towards national disintegration and anarchy now’’, he said.

    Okaba alleged that Wike’s power tussle with Fubara might not be unconnected with the minister’s desire to enhance Tinubu’s electoral fortunes in the next general polls.

    ‘’We understand the dictates of politics and the need to harvest Rivers votes for the President’s second tenure elections.

    “What we misunderstand is the thought that only the FCT minister can assist the President to win Rivers’’, Okoba said.

    He said Fubara had been faithful to Tinubu’s 8-point directive to both parties during the conflict resolution meeting held in Abuja.

    ‘’In October 2023 you called stakeholders to a meeting and tabled an 8-point directive to all parties involved to return peace to Rivers.

    ‘’Whereas many of our people considered your 8-Point directive as manifestly slanted against the governor’s interest and in favour of the FCT minister, the governor acceded to it,’’ he said.

    Okaba said that while governor acted in good faith with respect to the directive, the minister acted otherwise by refusing to withdraw the court cases instituted by him.

    He added that less than three weeks after the Presidential directives, Martins Amaewhule led 25 members the Rivers House of Assembly to defect to the opposition All People’s Congress.

    On the just-held local government election in the state, Okaba said that Fubara obeyed Supreme Court order that Local Government Areas in Nigeria must be administered by elected officers, without which funds must be withheld.

    He said Fubara worked assiduous to actualise the return of elected officers to the local government areas in accordance with Tinubu’s desires and backed by the Supreme Court judgement.

    He also said that Fubara holds permanent olive branches, sending constant peace emissaries to the FCT minister.

    ‘’So again we appeal to Mr President to call the FCT minister to order as a stitch in time, they say saves nine,’’ he said.

  • Wike threatens to kick out non-performing contractors

    Wike threatens to kick out non-performing contractors

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has threatened to kick out non-performing contractors executing projects in the FCT.

    Wike made the threat in Abuja on Friday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of the 15-kilometre left wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, from Ring Road 1 to Wasa.

    The threat followed what the minister described as “disappointing performance” of CGC Nigeria Ltd executing the project, saying “it is barely 50 per cent as against CGC’s 75 per cent claim.

    “As at last year, you promised you would finish the project by December 2024 or at most January 2025, now you have extended it to May.

    “With what I am seeing, it may not be possible till eight or nine months from now.

    “You should be fair to us. If we have an agreement, let’s keep to that agreement and we are paying. Why should we see what we are seeing now? He asked.

    The minister said that FCT Administration had paid over 80 per cent of the contract sum, “but look at what they have done. This is very bad. I am not encouraged.

    “We have paid the contractor more than 80 per cent of this contract and the job, as far as I am concerned, is not up to 50 per cent. I am not going to accept this.”

    On what he would do to non-performing contractors, Wike said: “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. Everybody knows our position that if you don’t perform, we kick you out.

    “There is no sentiment about it. Whether you are an indigenous contractor; whether you are foreign contractors; we don’t care. All we are concerned about is the work.

    “If you do the work; we go along with you, if you don’t do the work; we kick you out and we will make you pay for it; there must be sanctions.

    “You can’t just collect our money, and we just say go, when you do not complete our project, no.

    “Before we kick you out, we will make you pay for it. That is our position.”

    He explained that his attention was drawn to the project when he inspected the Apo to Karshi road on Thursday and passed through Wasa on his way back.

    He explained that the inspection was to see things for himself.

    “There was no equipment here yesterday, when I passed through the road.

    “I believe it is because I said I was coming here today that you mobilised equipment. These are things I will not accept.

    “CGC is one of the most respected construction companies in the country, but as far as this road is concerned, I am not happy,” he groaned.

    The minister directed the Director Engineering Services, Federal Capital Development Authority to sit with the contractor, agree on a work plan, and commit to a completion timeline.

    Wike said that the work plan described the road as important considering the huge economic activities taking place in the area.

    He directed that the project delivery work plan should be on his table on Monday, pointing out that the road, if completed, would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the area.

  • Tinubu to build 40 houses for judges

    Tinubu to build 40 houses for judges

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval for the building of 40 houses designated for judges and justices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, shared this information with reporters at the State House in Abuja following the Federal Executive Council meeting led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The initiative, which is a component of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to ensure that judges have access to safe and comfortable housing.

  • FG approves construction of roads in Abuja satellite towns

    FG approves construction of roads in Abuja satellite towns

    Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced on Monday that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of roads in Abuja’s satellite towns.

    Wike made this known while addressing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting.

    He emphasised that these satellite towns had previously suffered neglect, highlighting that prior administrations failed to recognise the importance of extending development to these areas.

    “It is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president that we must take development to the satellite towns.

    “As I speak to you today, I know before December, we will commission more than 75 kilometers of road. The President has also said we must continue to give hope and infrastructure to satellite towns.

    “The areas covered are in Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari area councils. These are the three area councils that NEC has approved that we have to make sure that infrastructure is given to them,” said the minister.

    He said FEC also approved the development of Artillery Road N5, Obafemi Awolowo way, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road.

    “People have been saying we need to do something to decongest the area. The contract is to be carried out by Julius Berger and to be completed in 16-17 months.

    The FCT minister also said because of the importance the President attached to the judiciary, he directed that the FCT, through the FCDA, should immediately construct 40 judges and justices quarters in Kantampe District.

    “What it means is that out of these 40, FCT High Courts will have 20, the Federal High Court will have ten and the Court of Appeal will have ten, and this will be completed within 15 months.

    “Again Council approved the construction of access road from Artillery Road N11 from Mabuchi to Judges Quarters.

    “FEC also approved the construction of access road from ring road 1-N16 Shehu Shagari Way also to Judges Quarters to be delivered in 15 months,” said Wike.

    He added that Council had also approved full development of all connecting roads to the Court of Appeal Abuja division.

    The minister stated that FEC ratified the termination of the contract for development of Maitama 2, an area previously allocated to various citizens.

    He said the Maitama 2 area had not less than 1700 allotees before the present government came to power, and the contract was awarded for the sum of N184 billion for the provision of infrastructure.

    “The thinking of Mr. President is that if we are able to develop the area, it will reduce the housing deficit, so that many people will go and develop their properties.

    “But unfortunately after the award, the contractor was never on site. We may not also blame him because we saw he was never mobilised.

    “It has taken over one year. So, we sought for the termination of the contract and start a new process of procurement and provide enough funds for the infrastructural development to take place.

    “I can assure you that now that the contract has been terminated we will move quickly to start the process and make sure that we develop the area,”said Wike.

  • Rivers: Court dismisses suit seeking to replace 27 pro-Wike lawmakers

    Rivers: Court dismisses suit seeking to replace 27 pro-Wike lawmakers

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, dismissed a suit seeking an order declaring the seats of the the 27 members of the Rivers House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, vacant.

    Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment, held that the suit instituted by the Action People’s Party (APP) was statute barred, having not been filed within 14 days allowed by law.

    NAN reports that the 27 lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, were said to have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Dec. 11, 2023.

    However, the Action People’s Party (APP) filed the case on July 12, a period of 8 months after the cause of action emanated.

    Delivering the judgment, Justice Lifu held that the case was a gross abuse of court process on the ground that several suits on the alleged defection of the same 27 lawmakers had been adjudicated upon by the Federal Hgh Court (FHC).

    The judge, who cited the previous judgments of the FHC delivered by Justice James Omotosho, said that the request for replacement of the lawmakers had earlier been rejected due to lack of sufficient evidence to establish the defection of the legislators.

    He recalled that in the earlier judgment, Justice Omotosho restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from declaring the seats of the lawmakers vacant and from conducting any fresh election.

    Justice Lifu said that since the judgment had not been set aside and not appealed against, it remained binding with force of law as far as the issue of defection is concerned for the 27 legislators.

    He said that it would amount to display of judicial rascality for him to sit as an Appeal Court in the judgment of the same court.

    The judge subsequently dismissed the suit.

  • Guber poll: Edo CP debunks alleged ties with Wike

    Guber poll: Edo CP debunks alleged ties with Wike

    The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Nemi Iwo, has dismissed allegations linking his deployment to the state to the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike as baseless.

    A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, on Monday in Benin quoted Iwo as describing the claims as “baseless” and “mischievous”.

    Iwo said his deployment was a routine administrative procedure within the Police Force.

    “It’s laughable to suggest that the deployment was influenced by the FCT Minister. I don’t have any personal or professional ties with him.

    According to him, associating with the FCT Minister is a thing of pride, but it is pertinent to clear the air that our  paths have never crossed in any way.

    “The CP is not an electoral umpire as such, I cannot determine the outcome of an election as more senior officers, including two DIGs, AIGs, CPs and other senior officers have been deployed to supervise the conduct of Edo election.

    “Moreso, the innovations adopted by the INEC does not accrue any powers or privileges to the Police to influence the outcome of any election.

    “On this note, the command condemns this mischievous news and wish to urge the good people of Edo State to disregard the unfounded story,” he said.

    He, however, reassured the public of the command’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism in the upcoming governorship election.

  • Shun protest, Tinubu working to address hunger – Wike

    Shun protest, Tinubu working to address hunger – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has advised residents of the territory not to partake in the planned protest by some section of Nigerians.

    Wike made the appeal while interacting  with residents after he inspected the ongoing construction of Saburi Road in Abuja on Thursday.

    NAN reports that some sections of Nigerians have planned to embark on a peaceful protest over hunger and insecurity in the country beginning from August 1.

    But the minister said that President Bola Tinubu was aware of the problem and working hard to address the challenges.

    Describing the current hunger and suffering as a temporary situation, the minister said that the ongoing reforms and policies would soon yield the desired results.

    He said that the protest was organised by politicians to destabilise Tinubu’s administration.

    He said, “those asking you to protest are lying to you. It is not for the interest of Nigeria and it is not for your interest.”

    He called on Nigerians to be patient with the current administration and give Tinubu ample time to solve the rot in the country.

    “Don’t be angry and don’t join the protest, because protest will not solve the problem.

    “The government is aware of the hunger and that is why it is working hard to find a lasting solution to the problem.

    “I know that hunger makes people lose patience. Please be patient. That is all I am asking. This hunger will reduce very soon,” he said.

    Responding to the residents’ plea for construction of a police station and health facility in Saburi, Wike assured them of the government commitment to meeting their needs.

    The minister promised to construct a police station while Mr Christopher Maikalangu, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council promised to construct a health facility.

    He also assured the residents that the ongoing road project in the community would be completed as scheduled, adding work has not stopped since commencement of the project.