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Tag: Fct

  • Abuja Pastor Appeals to Wike Over Jabi Lake Development Plan

    Abuja Pastor Appeals to Wike Over Jabi Lake Development Plan

    The Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to halt plans to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

    In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Omakwu was seen kneeling on the pulpit as she made a passionate plea, describing the area as an important public space for recreation, social interaction, and community life.

    “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother… that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

    She stressed that the location serves multiple public purposes, including exercise, trading, social gatherings, entertainment, and youth activities, urging that it remain accessible to all residents.

    Omakwu referenced past urban changes in Abuja, expressing concern that public access to key landmarks has gradually reduced over time. Despite her appeal, she also acknowledged Wike’s efforts in infrastructure development within the capital city, praising ongoing road projects and improvements in mobility.

    “I thank you for all the highways you have built… But for this piece of land, I beg you, let it go,” she added.

    Her comments come amid ongoing plans by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to redevelop the Jabi Lake area through partnerships with private firms aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity in Abuja.

    The initiative, earlier approved under agreements involving the FCTA and private developers, is intended to reposition the recreational site into a more structured leisure and investment hub.

    The debate reflects growing public concern over balancing urban development with the preservation of open public spaces in Nigeria’s capital.

  • Wike Grants Free C-of-O for Nigerian Law School, Promises More Staff Quarters

    Wike Grants Free C-of-O for Nigerian Law School, Promises More Staff Quarters

    FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has granted an immediate waiver of all Certificate of Occupancy processing fees for the Nigerian Law School Abuja campus in Bwari and directed that the document be issued within one week, describing the institution’s lack of a C-of-O as unacceptable.

    Wike also declared an emergency on infrastructure development at the school, pledging urgent intervention in staff housing, overcrowding and welfare, including the construction of 10 additional staff quarters to complement 10 already completed for commissioning.

    The minister confirmed progress on two new hostels for male and female students to ease accommodation pressure, while also approving funding for a new auditorium and questioning delays by the contractor handling the project.

    He further directed the Law School to work with the FCTA General Counsel on digitising operations in line with reforms being implemented at the FCT High Court, saying the interventions support President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for legal education and judicial development.

    Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote, commended Wike for the support and appealed for more assistance to address infrastructure deficits and improve conditions at the campus.

  • FCT Education Sector Shaken as Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike

    FCT Education Sector Shaken as Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, has directed primary and secondary school teachers in Abuja to commence an indefinite strike effective Monday, citing unresolved issues with authorities.

    The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held in Gwagwalada. The statement, signed by chairman Abdullahi Shafa, secretary Margaret Jethro, and publicity secretary Ibukun Adekeye, directed teachers to stay at home and await further instructions.

    The union also advised parents to keep their children at home, noting that the strike would continue until all demands are met. It explained that the action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over pending issues.

    While acknowledging the minister’s implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and payment of nine months’ arrears to primary school teachers, the union expressed concern that key aspects of previous agreements remain unresolved.

    Specifically, the NUT faulted the delay in releasing and implementing the report of a committee set up in July 2025 to harmonise outstanding entitlements and provide lasting solutions to recurring disputes, noting that the continued inaction prompted the strike decision.

  • Troops Storm Bandits’ Hideout, Rescue Abducted Residents in Kubwa

    Troops Storm Bandits’ Hideout, Rescue Abducted Residents in Kubwa

    Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes have rescued 20 kidnapping victims during a coordinated security operation.

    These was disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, late Saturday evening in Abuja.

    The PPRO said the operation, which took place between March 6 and 7, 2026, followed credible information indicating that suspected kidnappers fleeing security operations in Gauraka Forest in Niger state had moved into the Gidan Dogo and Kweri Forests in Kaduna state with abducted victims.

    Acting on the infomation, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led a joint tactical team into the forest to track the suspects, even as the team encountered the kidnappers at their hideout, where the suspects opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun battle that lasted over one hour and thirty minutes.

    Adeh said, “The operatives eventually overpowered the criminals through superior tactics and firepower. Several suspects were neutralised during the exchange, while two others identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello were arrested.“Other members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest and hills,” she said.

    According to her, “During the operation, the security team successfully rescued 20 victims 10 males and 10 females who were earlier abducted from Byazhin District in the FCT as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger state.

    Also, “Security operatives  recovered one AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, a magazine containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and a locally made firearm from the suspects. The rescued victims were immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.”

    She said the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has commended the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives involved in the mission.

     

  • INEC Chair Amupitan Receives Confidence Vote from MBYF

    INEC Chair Amupitan Receives Confidence Vote from MBYF

    The Middle Belt Youths Forum (MBYF) has passed a vote of confidence on Prof. Joash Amupitan, commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting the recent Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as peaceful, credible, and transparent. The group described the polls as a demonstration of professionalism and strict adherence to electoral guidelines.

    In a statement signed by Comrade Meliga Godwin, MBYF praised INEC for its coordination of logistics, prompt deployment of personnel, and timely release of results, noting that these efforts reflected the Commission’s preparedness and capacity to deliver credible elections across the six Area Councils.

    The Forum highlighted the peaceful atmosphere during the elections as evidence of effective planning and collaboration between INEC, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders. It emphasized that such cooperation strengthens Nigeria’s democratic process and fosters public trust in electoral outcomes.

    While expressing satisfaction with the results, MBYF urged Prof. Amupitan and his team to consolidate on the gains achieved, stressing that credible elections are essential for democratic governance. The group encouraged the Commission to continue improving standards set during the FCT polls.

    The youths also commended FCT residents for their orderly participation and called on political actors to prioritize issue-based campaigns and respect the will of the electorate. They stressed that democracy thrives when voters’ mandates are upheld and political engagement remains focused on substantive issues.

  • Odinkalu Blasts INEC Over FCT Polls, Questions Amupitan’s Credibility for 2027 Elections

    Odinkalu Blasts INEC Over FCT Polls, Questions Amupitan’s Credibility for 2027 Elections

    Human rights activist and lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu, has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections, stating that the commission “failed” and calling on Chairman Joash Amupitan to take personal responsibility for the shortcomings. Odinkalu raised the concerns during an appearance on Channels Television, asserting that under the current leadership, INEC cannot be trusted to organise credible elections in 2027.

    Assessing the FCT polls, Odinkalu said the problems were not due to legal constraints but administrative lapses and a lack of institutional resolve. He cited poorly coordinated logistics, including the reassignment of voters without adequate notice, which he said disenfranchised many residents. He argued that Amupitan, who previously oversaw a governorship election in Anambra State, could not claim inexperience as an excuse.

    Odinkalu urged electoral administrators to conduct proper planning or resign, insisting that Nigerians deserve competent electoral management. He emphasised that citizens are not demanding perfection but expect sincerity, accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to improving election processes.

    He called on INEC to publicly acknowledge its failures and apologise to Nigerians, rather than defending what he described as an unsatisfactory performance. Odinkalu suggested that a credible chairperson would admit mistakes, seek citizen input, and implement measures to prevent similar issues in future elections.

    The activist’s remarks add to mounting scrutiny of INEC’s performance in the FCT elections, placing pressure on Amupitan to address public concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections. Odinkalu warned that ignoring the lapses could erode public confidence in the electoral process and the commission’s integrity.

  • Mass Revocation: FCT Minister Cancels 485 Land Papers in Abuja

    Mass Revocation: FCT Minister Cancels 485 Land Papers in Abuja

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the cancellation of 485 land documents in Abuja after a verification exercise uncovered widespread forgery. The nullification affects applications submitted for the regularisation of Area Council land documents that failed mandatory authenticity checks.

    In a public notice, the Federal Capital Territory Administration said the affected documents were confirmed fake following screening by the Department of Land Administration in collaboration with the Abuja Geographic Information Systems. Authorities stated that only applications that passed official genuineness checks would remain in the regularisation database.

    The cancelled documents, listed under Batch I of the exercise, span multiple Area Councils, including Bwari, Abuja Municipal and Kuje. Several districts and layout extensions in these councils were impacted by the decision.

    Under Nigerian law, all land in the FCT is vested in the federal government, with valid titles requiring processing through the FCT Minister’s office and formalisation by AGIS. Officials said the move is part of broader reforms to address forgery, double allocations and irregular land grants allegedly issued by some Area Councils.

    The scale of irregularities became evident last year when the FCTA disclosed that out of 261,914 Area Council land documents submitted between 2006 and 2023, only 8,287 — about 3.2 per cent — had been screened, leaving over 250,000 pending verification. Monday’s action signals a tougher stance by the Wike-led administration to sanitise land administration in the nation’s capital.

  • FCT Polls: EFCC Nabs 20 Suspects Over Vote-Buying, Seizes N13.5m

    FCT Polls: EFCC Nabs 20 Suspects Over Vote-Buying, Seizes N13.5m

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 20 suspects over alleged electoral offences during the February 21, 2026, FCT Area Council elections.

    The arrests targeted vote trading and other violations, with offences including vote buying, vote selling, and obstruction of electoral officers, involving a total of N17,218,700.

    One suspect was reportedly found with N13,500,000 in a car parked near a polling booth in Kwali Local Government Area.

    The EFCC made arrests in multiple locations across the FCT, including two in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje, and four in Kwali, as part of efforts to curb electoral malpractice.

    Investigations are ongoing, and the commission confirmed that the suspects will face prosecution upon conclusion of the process.

  • Ezenwa Nwangwu -Low Voter Engagement in FCT Polls Sparks Concern.

    Ezenwa Nwangwu -Low Voter Engagement in FCT Polls Sparks Concern.

    Ezenwa Nwangwu, Chairman of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, has expressed concern over the low voter turnout in the recent FCT Area Council Election.

    He made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show,’ highlighting the need for greater civic engagement.

    The FCT area council elections, held over the weekend, saw the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) win five councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured Gwagwalada Area Council.

    Reports indicated low voter turnout across polling units in the six area councils, particularly in cosmopolitan areas where residents commute to the city but live in the suburbs.

    Nwangwu urged citizens to exercise their voting rights, warning that abstaining from voting effectively allows others to decide their future. He also noted that, despite low turnout, the elections were largely peaceful.

  • FCT Council Results: APC Leads with 5 Seats, PDP Settles for 1

    FCT Council Results: APC Leads with 5 Seats, PDP Settles for 1

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) dominated the weekend’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, winning five of the six chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured one in Gwagwalada. The elections, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were also held alongside by-elections in Kano and Rivers states, where the APC recorded victories. President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders hailed the outcome as an endorsement of the administration’s reforms, while opposition figures rejected the results, alleging intimidation and vote buying.

    In the FCT, APC candidates won in Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Kuje, Abaji, Bwari and Kwali Area Councils, while the PDP’s Mohammed Kasim clinched Gwagwalada. INEC said the elections were largely peaceful, though voter turnout was low across councils. Results were uploaded to the commission’s IReV portal shortly after voting, with high compliance in result management procedures.

    However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the low turnout—reportedly below 20 per cent in many areas as a worrying sign for democracy, blaming what he called a shrinking political space under the Tinubu administration. The PDP also alleged widespread irregularities and announced plans to challenge some results in court. APC officials, including Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, dismissed the allegations, insisting that Nigerians had freely expressed their will.

    Civil society organisations, including Yiaga Africa, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), acknowledged that voting was mostly peaceful but raised concerns over logistical lapses, fragile ward-level collation and incidents of intimidation. Yiaga Africa warned that the observed weaknesses, particularly in result collation and security coordination, pose risks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Despite the criticisms, APC leaders, including National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, described the results—especially in Abuja—as a strong vote of confidence in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The PDP maintained that voter apathy reflected public distrust in the current electoral framework, urging urgent reforms to safeguard democratic integrity before 2027.