General News

Wike reiterates his respect for military, insists right thing must be done

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1 week ago

November 13, 2025

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By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, reiterated his love and respect for Nigeria military, while insisting the right thing must be done.

He stressed that no nation can succeed by allowing impunity and lawlessness.

The FCT Minister stated this in Abuja, while addressing journalists in response to his recent confrontation with military.

He added that it is quite unfortunate that Nigerians trivialize things.

He explained that when he discovered FCT officials were being attacked and intimidated, he needed to visit the site.

According to Wike, “I cry for this country because it is quite unfortunate, either we trivialize everything that happens, either we bring religion to it, or the class you belong to. No country can ever succeed if we continue to allow impurity, lawlessness.

“No country, no matter how hard you work, you allow impurity, you allow lawlessness to continue to prevail, that country will never, never, never grow. Even amongst government officials, not to talk about private individuals. I have read comments”.

He agreed that he has offended lots of politicians politically but has no regrets about it. “Yes, I have wounded people politically, I have no regret about it. And I will continue to wound them where necessary. Yes, people are not happy about it.

“So when things happen like this, you see all manner of things people will say. I was watching Channels Television late last night. I saw a lady and a man, you see, sometimes you just shake your head .

“Laziness, people don’t read, people don’t investigate. I saw the lady say ‘Wike has met his match’. You don’t want to find out what really happened.

“What was the point? How can I sit down as a minister, and government officials have been attacked, picked up, to the level of directorship.

“Then I’m sitting in my office doing what?. How will such officials carry out their functions again? When they know their principal and their boss cannot protect them. Not as private individuals”.

He said lot of dignitaries even a former head of state, president have called him over land issues in Abuja and he resolved them.

“And all these people never sent soldiers to harass officials,

“General T Y Danjuma will call you. Look at this and and this. These are people, they are all retired generals, these are people with discipline.

“They didn’t bother because they were former chief of army staff, former presidents. They never sent soldiers. They never sent anybody to go and attack anybody.

“And I tell them, sir, don’t worry, I will sort out the problem and I will do. I haven’t even talked about other people who are highly placed, they will come to you. Mr. Minister, maybe we didn’t know of this. If we knew, we would have done it”.

He said; “You are told to obey legal orders, not orders that are illegal. So, if, because you are a security aide, to say, your superior ordered you shoot at someone, you think you will not be charged for murder, because your superior gave you the order?

“People have problems. We have tried to resolve them, but don’t use intimidation, don’t try to weaken government. You cannot weaken government. Because when we allow this now, others will follow suit. And then they will say, when it happened to this and that, what did you do?

“So, gentlemen, I have respect for the military. I will continue to respect them. So, anybody trying to bring collision there, to say, oh, he is having a problem with the military, it is not correct, I don’t have a problem with the military and I will not have a problem.

“If we are having a problem with military, I know where to run to. If I don’t to Chief of Defence Staff, I will go to Chief of Army Staff, or Chief of Naval Staff, or Air Force, or Chief of Defence Intelligence, I will go to the president.

“But in this case, it had to do with a private individual. So, how many people would I run to? If you, you have a problem with us, I will run to president? Who does that? So, all I will be telling the president every day, this individual is having a problem with us, this individual is having a problems. So, I don’t have a problem with the military, ” he said.

Wike, however, said the issue had been blown out of proportion by those bent on portraying him as being at loggerheads with the military.

He maintained that he only intervened after top officials of the FCTA were assaulted while carrying out their officials duties, saying that as a minister, he won’t sit in his office while those working with him are being attacked.

He recalled that when the police had similar issue, he personally visited the site where buildings were being constructed under the powerline, and the Inspector-General of Police ensured the stoppage of the construction.

He said the FCT Administration’s duty is to protect the integrity of Abuja’s master plan and ensure that all developments conform with approved land use provisions.

According to him, those who obtained land for agricultural purposes but later converted it to residential estates or commercial ventures without approval would be made to face the law.

“Government cannot function in a lawless society. If we allow one person to violate the rules because of who he is, others will follow. That is how impunity begins. We must learn to obey the law irrespective of who is involved”, he said.

Wike condemned media reports that suggested his comments or actions were targeted at security agencies, urging journalists to verify information and avoid sensationalism. “Report us accurately. Do investigative journalism. Don’t twist facts or take statements out of context.”

Recalling instances during his tenure as Rivers State governor when he personally intervened to prevent security operatives from violating citizens’ rights, Wike said his current actions were consistent with his belief in lawful governance.

He added that those accusing him of high-handedness simply misunderstood his resolve to do what is right.

He said leadership often requires taking tough decisions that may not please everyone. “You can’t make everybody happy, even in your own house. But once your conscience is clear that you are doing the right thing, you stand by it,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s vision of restoring order and sanity to the nation’s capital, promising that enforcement against illegal developments, land grabbing and violations of the Abuja master plan would continue without compromise.

“As long as I remain FCT minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria – disciplined, planned and lawful,” Wike declared.

I mean, anybody should know. Yes, you are a young man, yes, you are a commissioned officer, Mr I am a minister and I’m representing Mr. President that alone should have given you that decorum. But no, no you choose to challenge the minister representing the president.

“And then you think that I am not a human being, I have no emotions. You are carrying out an illegal job. When people say, order, do you need to carry out to illegal. When you are an officer you are doing something illegal. Even if it’s a legal order given to you, that job you are doing is illegal. Even as an institution not private, they arrested officials, I say how? I went there by myself and I said no, no, no.

“Nobody is going to do anything. Even when you take action.”

General News

Naira for crude probe: House threaten defaulting stakeholders with arrest warrant…Postpones investigations to Dec 2

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2025

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By Saint Mugaga

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Implementation and Oversight of the Naira-for-Crude Oil Policy has issues a 7-day ultimatum to invited agencies to furnish it with requested documents on or before the 27th November 2025 or face Parliamentary sanctions.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Boniface Emerengwa, who issued the threat on Thursday in Abuja after agencies invites for the investigation failed to show up and refused to submit relevant documents requested by the committee.

He announced that “The investigative hearing scheduled for today, 20th November 2025, has been adjourned due to the gross negligence and lack of seriousness displayed by relevant stakeholders”.

The chairman expressed dismay that “Despite ample notice, the majority of stakeholders failed to recognize the role of the legislative arm in working with the Executive for the effective implementation of the Policy, by their failure to submit their required documents within the stipulated timeframe.

“This dereliction of duty has not only undermined the integrity of the committee’s work but has also cast a shadow of unseriousness over a matter of national importance.

“The committee views this conduct as a blatant disregard for the legislative process and a disrespect to the Nigerian people whose interests we are mandated to protect. Let it be unequivocally stated: the committee is deeply disappointed”.

According to the chairman, “The failure to submit documents on time has impeded our ability to conduct proper vetting and due diligence, thereby frustrating the investigative process.
This committee was constituted to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective oversight of the Naira-for-Crude Oil Policy, a policy with far-reaching implications for our economy and national development.

He warned that “Any attempt to frustrate this process will be met with firm legislative consequences. In the spirit of magnanimity and in recognition of the gravity of this investigation, the committee has resolved to extend the deadline for document submission to 27th November 2025.

“This extension is a final opportunity for stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and cooperation. Furthermore, the investigative hearing has been rescheduled to 2nd December 2025, 12:00 AM, Conference Room 440. This date is final and non-negotiable.

“Let it be known to all stakeholders that failure to comply with this extended deadline will attract severe sanctions. The committee will not hesitate to invoke its full legislative powers, including but not limited to: Issuance of summons and subpoenas, public naming and shaming of non-compliant entities, recommendation of sanctions to relevant regulatory and executive bodies and escalation to plenary for further disciplinary action

“This committee will not be made to appear unserious or ineffective due to the indifference of stakeholders. We are determined to carry out our mandate with diligence, and we expect full cooperation from all parties involved.

“Stakeholders are hereby advised to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. The Naira-for-Crude Oil Policy is not a peripheral issue it is central to our economic sovereignty and fiscal accountability. The Nigerian people are watching, and history will judge our actions.

“We urge all stakeholders to submit their documents by the new deadline and prepare to appear before the committee on the rescheduled hearing date. The time for excuses is over. The time for accountability is now”

General News

LGA chairman releases full list of 25 abducted Kebbi school girls

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2025

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Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi state, Hon. Hussaini Aliyu,

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By Aliyu Musa

The Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi state, Hon. Hussaini Aliyu, has refuted the claim by US lawmaker Riley Moore alleging that the abduction of the Maga schoolgirls occurred in a Christian enclave.

In a statement, the Chairman stated that, all the abducted schoolgirls are Muslims and urged the lawmaker to desist from making unverifiable statements capable of dividing Nigeria along religious or ethnic lines at a time when government efforts are focused on rescuing the abducted girls.

The statement noted that, Zuru Emirate, under which the Maga community falls, had never experienced a religious crisis. He wondered why the US lawmaker chose to make comments that portray Nigeria in a negative light.

It’s also releases the names of the abducted girls as follows:

Senior Secondary School 2A

Fatima Sani Zimri
Hafsat Ibrahim
Nana Firdausi Jibril
Masauda Yakubu Romo

Senior Secondary School 2B

Hauwa Saleh
Hauwau Umar Imam

Senior Secondary School 3A & 3B

Salima Garba Umar
Salima Sani Zimri
Amina G. Umar
Rashida Muhammad Dingu
Saliha Umar
Aisha Usman
Jamila Iliyasu
Maryam Illiyasu
Najaatu Abdullahi
Zainab Kolo

Junior Secondary School 3A

Surraya Tukur
Hafsat Umar Yalmo
Maryam Usman
Amina Illiyasu
Ikilima Suleman

Junior Secondary School 2

Khadija Nazifi
Hauwa’u Iliyasu
Hauwa’u Lawali
Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim

General News

Children are Nigeria’s future, says President Tinubu

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2 days ago

November 20, 2025

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By Saint Mugaga

President Bola Tinubu Thursday expressed his commitment to the development of children, saying they are the future of the nation.

He stated this at the launching and public presentation of a book titled “The Power of a Teenager: 50 Ways to Inspire Change”, written by Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, House of Representatives, and Founder of the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), Rep. Bamidele Salam on Thursday.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the National Assembly, House of Representatives Liaison, Dr. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, commended Salam for his dedication to youth development.

“You may not fully understand the impact of what you are receiving now, but tomorrow you will see what. Hon. Bamidele Salam has done in your lives,” he said.

He urged all attendees to make a personal commitment to shaping the minds of young Nigerians, stressing that while Salam funded the initiative personally, the greater task lies in mentoring and guiding the nation’s youth.

Also speaking at the launch, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the launch as a clear demonstration of the potential of Nigerian children.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, the vice president praised Salam for aligning his work with the administration’s vision for youth empowerment.

“This initiative speaks directly to the leaders of tomorrow,” he added, commending both the organisation and the children participating in the programme.

In his remarks, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila also lauded Salam’s efforts.

“Nigerian children are the future of this nation. Even though they are young, we are looking to them to take this country to where it should be,” he said.

Gbajabiamila commended Salam for consistently producing the book annually, calling it a testament to leadership and commitment.

“Leadership may be inborn or thrust upon you, but there must be someone to guide you. That is what this book is doing—it provides the guidance our young people need,” he said, urging children to read and internalise its lessons.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Bamidele Salam shared the story of how CALDEV was founded in 2015 to fill a gap in Nigeria’s educational system.

Unlike in other countries, he said, leadership training is rarely embedded in the curriculum. Through CALDEV and its flagship National Children’s Leadership Conference, children gain practical exposure to leadership, public speaking, and community service.

Many past participants have gone on to start NGOs, run radio programmes, and lead campaigns addressing early marriage, child labour, and other social issues.

“This year, about 400 children are participating, and the impact has been phenomenal,” Salam said. He urged state governments to replicate the initiative at the state level to provide young people across Nigeria with intensive leadership training. Highlighting the large participation from Borno State, Salam said that properly trained and nurtured children could become agents of change, promoting peace, tolerance, education, and societal development.

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, lauded the author for his dedication to youth development through the newly launched book.

Chinda expressed pride that a member of the House is actively shaping the future of Nigerian children.

“As members of the House of Representatives, we hold our heads high today that one of us is doing this. We are very, very proud, and we pray that this inspiration should flow through every other member of the House,” he said.

Chinda noted that the legacy of leaders and thinkers, is remembered not for wealth but for wisdom and the knowledge they left behind.

“When we see initiatives like this, these are the things worthy of celebration,” he said.

Member of the House from Borno State, Hon. Zainab Gimba, said,”We have come because we are celebrating not just a book today when they had an imagination behind it. I actually commend for shining a compassionate and bright lights of our teenagers.

“He has given our young people a voice that others will also step on the same foot, so that our teenagers will be empowered, not in this generation, but in future generations to come.”