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Tag: Wike

  • Wike hails Tinubu administration’s impact on FCT at 50

    Wike hails Tinubu administration’s impact on FCT at 50

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday said significant progress has been recorded in Abuja under the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the past two and a half years.

    Wike made the remarks after inspecting several ongoing projects across the nation’s capital.

    He noted that as the FCT marks its 50th anniversary, the Tinubu administration has delivered commendable results, describing 2026 as a golden jubilee year for Abuja.

    He said, “Remembering where we’re coming from, I think Mr President has changed the landscape of Abuja in the last two years in office and now going to three years.

    “We are also following what the Abuja Master Plan says. So I think we have really done well to the glory of God in terms of infrastructure.”

    Speaking on the inspected projects, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the ongoing road construction in Gishiri, which he said would be inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s third year in office.

    Wike also lauded the ongoing dualization of the Outer Southern Expressway from Ring Road I to Ring Road II.

    “You can see that the construction of the bridges is going well. Very good job.

    Read Also: Wike, labour unions reach truce, end FCT workers’ strike

    “We are now here to see the road network for the informal sector, where the Apo traders will be relocated to. I’m quite impressed with CGC, the contractor handling the three projects.

    “While this project will be completed in August, the OSEX area will be inaugurated as part of Tinubu’s third anniversary,” he said.

    Reacting to the truce reached with FCT workers that led to the suspension of a planned protest by labour unions on Tuesday, the minister said there were no winners or losers.

    He expressed delight that the union leaders have seen the realities on the ground, which have helped clear misconceptions.

    “I’m happy that the trade union and labour congress came to see things for themselves. Sometimes it’s good. What they were told is not really what’s on the ground.

    “But by and large, we have had a good meeting, and they’ve directed the workers to go back to work, which you can see has been done.

    “So, we’re happy that at the end of the day, there is no winner, no loser.  It’s in the interest of Abuja to progress,” he said.

  • PDP a formidable party, not charity organisation – Wike

    PDP a formidable party, not charity organisation – Wike

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a formidable political force in the country and not a charity organisation.

    Wike made the remarks at the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja on Monday night.

    While warning members against viewing PDP as a charity organisation, he urged them to return to the grassroots and rebuild the party from the ward and polling unit levels.

    “Forget the idea that PDP is a charity organisation. PDP remains a formidable political force despite its current challenges.

    “PDP is too strong, very strong. We must capitalise on what we have and move forward,” he stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister spoke extensively on the party’s internal challenges, the ongoing legal disputes and the way forward for rebuilding it ahead of future elections.

    He stressed that his concerns were solely focused on the survival, stability and success of the party nationwide.

    Wike declared his keen interest in all activities of the Oyo chapter of the party, as part of efforts towards ensuring its survival and success.

    While appreciating the calls for peace by the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Working Committee (NWC), Wike urged party leaders and members to remain vigilant, noting the ongoing attempts to destabilise PDP.

    He cautioned that adversaries would not relent until the party was finished, but expressed confidence that such efforts would fail.

    “They will not give up until they believe you are destroyed, but I will not be destroyed; you will not be destroyed. Let us move forward,” he said.

    Read Also: Wike, labour unions reach truce, end FCT workers’ strike

    The minister expressed confidence that any attempt by those he described as “vampires” to take over the affairs of the party across the 36 states of the federation, including FCT, would fail.

    He further urged PDP to rely on experience and internal capacity, noting the presence of competent legal and organising officers within the party, capable of navigating the current challenges.

    “We have a competent legal adviser. We have a competent national organising secretary. Experience matters. When we combine our collective experience, the results will speak for themselves,” he said.

    Wike thanked NEC members for attending the meeting at short notice and urged them to remain committed to strengthening the party as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.

    He said that the party was now waiting for the caretaker committee to issue clear directives, particularly on the conduct of the overdue congresses, which he described as “critical steps” towards organising a credible national convention.

    (NAN)

  • Wike, labour unions reach truce, end FCT workers’ strike

    Wike, labour unions reach truce, end FCT workers’ strike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has brokered a late-night truce with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), bringing an end to the strike that paralyzed parts of Abuja.

    The development is paving the way for workers to return immediately.

    The agreement was reached around 3:50 am on Tuesday after over three hours of negotiations chaired by the Senate Committee on the FCT, led by Senator Mohammed Bomoi. The meeting started a few minutes before 12:00am.

    In attendance were Wike, the Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo respectively.

    The scribes of both labour centres as well as other key stakeholders, were also present.

    THE NATION reports that organised labour, comprising the two labour centres, on Monday insisted that there would be no going back on the planned massive protest to press home the demands of FCTA workers.

    Police authorities in the FCT cautioned the movement to reschedule its action in the “interest of safety”, adding that there were plots by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN/Shi’ites) and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.   

    The Minister had also obtained an interim court order restraining the NLC and the TUC from embarking on the action.

    According to a statement after the meeting and signed by NLC and TUC, it was agreed that, arising from the strike action, no worker shall be victimized in any manner.

    Upah, who was flanked by the General Secretary of the TUC, Nuhu Toro, and other labour leaders, also disclosed that all outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) would be withdrawn immediately.

    He added: “All affiliates are hereby informed that a conciliatory meeting was held between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the instance of the Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.

    “At the conclusion of the meeting, the following resolutions were reached: All complaints presented by JUAC members were taken one after the other and fully addressed.


    “The Honourable Minister assured organized labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward.”

    He, however, announced that all workers in the FCT had been directed to resume duties immediately.

    “Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately.

    “All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith”.

  • Wike camp fixes PDP convention for March 28

    Wike camp fixes PDP convention for March 28

    • Turaki group: we will wait for C’Appeal judgment
    • Caretaker takes interest in Oyo State chapter

    The Wike/Anyanwu faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday unfolded plans to hold the National Convention on March 28 and 29 in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The proposed convention followed last week’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan affirming Abdulrahman Mohammed caretaker committee as the authentic leadership of the party.

    Justice Uche Agomoh, also voided the November 16, 2025 convention of the PDP in Ibadan and all the decisions taken there from because the convention was stopped by two Federal High Courts judgments.

    Kabiru Turaki (SAN) was elected at the convention along with other members of his National Working Committee (NWC).

    The convention also expelled senior figures of the party, including Nyesome WIke, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, Senator Mao Ohunabuwa, among others.

    All these were nullified by the judgment. 

    Justice Agomoh also directed that only a caretaker committee can run the PDP until another convention elects the leadership.

    New members of the National Working Committee (NWC) would be elected at the March 28 convention, according to a statement by the Caretaker Chairman Mohammed and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    Read Also: Wike inaugurates, NDDC 9.4km road, 1,500-seater hall in Rivers community

    According to the statement,  the decision to hold the convention was taken at the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the official residence of the Minister of the FCT Wike.

    The party secretariat, popularly known as Wadata Plaza, has been under lock and key by the police following a bloody battle there between the two factions.

    To restore stability and constitutional order, the NEC approved a comprehensive schedule for party congresses across the country.

    The Ward and Local Government Congresses will hold in February while the State Congresses hold in March 2026.

    The NEC mandated the National Caretaker Committee to immediately “activate Convention Sub-Committees and commence full logistical, administrative, and consultative preparations” to ensure the process remains transparent and credible.

    The NEC reconfirmed the Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee as the “only lawful national administrative organ of the Party.”

    To prevent any administrative vacuum, the NEC also extended the tenure of Caretaker Committees at the State and Zonal levels.

    The faction welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which validated its current leadership structure.

    It said: “NEC welcomed and affirmed the judgment… which upheld the legality of the Party’s leadership and administrative arrangements and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to recognize the duly constituted National Caretaker Committee.”

    Mohammed declared that the “cloud of uncertainty” hanging over the party had  fizzled out.

    He described the judgment as a “much-needed legal clarity” that affirmed the legitimacy of his leadership and that of Anyanwu.

    He said: “The judgment has conferred existential credibility on the leadership of our great party as presently constituted. This outcome did not come by accident. It is the reward of your collective decision to stand on the side of the law. “

    The chairman described 2025 as a “testing and refining period,” noting that the party survived internal attempts to by-pass established procedures.

    He said the PDP did not collapse under the pressure of judicial challenges but  emerged “refined, strengthened and reoriented.”

    Mohammed said: “We are today firmly positioned to roll out our activities without hesitation or uncertainty.”

    Urging reconciliation,  he added: “In this process, there are no absolute losers. I call on all members of our great party, at every level, to jettison divisive tendencies and destructive rhetoric. Now is the time to heal wounds and rebuild trust.”

    Mohammed praised Wike for his “intellectual depth” and leadership during the “trying period”, and also extended gratitude to former Senate President Bukola Saraki for his insistence on due process and the “supremacy of the law.”

    Wike, at the meeting declared keen interest in all activities of the Oyo State chapter of the PDP.

    Wike insisted that his concern is the survival, stability and success of the party.

    He said: “Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP.”

    Wike said the party would wait for the Caretaker Committee to issue clear directives  on the congresses.

    Turaki faction kicks

    However, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki faction, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the proposed convention as a ruse.

    He said “Wike and friends are merely living in fools paradise with their proposition. The world knows they are extensions of the APC and therefore cannot claim to be members of the PDP.

    “We await the judgement of the appellate courts and we are hopeful that when the judgements are in, the issues would have been resolved and the court will confirm the reality that the convention held in Ibadan was a reflection of the wishes of the true members of the People’s Democratic Party.”

  • Sim the Tragic

    Sim the Tragic

    Some historical monikers are sane.  Others, by contemporary temper, absolutely insane.

    Alexander the Great (256-323 BC), formally Alexander III, King of Macedonia, was not only the greatest warrior-king in Greek history.  He also counts among the greatest military strategists of all time.  At 30, he had carved out an empire, which stretched from Greece to the western part of India’s north.

    If ‘Alexander the Great’ made sense, William the Bastard (1028-1087) made little sense – or did it? William the Conqueror – as he was otherwise called – sure earned his stripes: from the Duke of Normandy and eventually, the first Norman King of England.

    But not even all his accomplishments, in war and in peace, could blot the sobriquet: William the Bastard. His parents, Robert I, Duke of Normandy, and Herleva of Falaise, both in France, were unmarried.  Medieval temper was much starker and far less filtered!

    If we pivot from ancient wars to the eternal war that is the Rivers’ present politics, how would you brand the leading dramatis personae?  Riled godfather, ex-governor, and now explosive Abuja Minister, Nyesom Wike: Ezenwo the Brash?

    Or foxy but extremely annoying godson, with a gubernatorial term of one day, one trouble, Siminalayi Fubara: Sim the Tragic?  He goes on dabbing himself with petrol, knowing full well the Wike camp won’t blink from lighting up the fire that could burn him to ashes!

    By the way, given the political straws now posturing with Fubara, in his meaningless, yet explosive grandstanding, the Rivers six-month emergency debacle seems to have taught the governor nothing.

    Read Also: FG, states, councils share ₦1.969tr December revenue at FAAC meeting

    One is Daniel Bwala, a Tinubu loyalist from Borno State, North East – until the issue of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.  Pronto, he bailed from the winning boat, in a blind splash to the losers’ camp – whatever the northern Christian minority fears, which pushed the sheer panic of his jump.  But later, he would pivot back from the failed Atiku Abubakar camp, landing the visible sinecure of the presidential special adviser on Policy Communication.

    Does Bwala think his posturing, on Fubara’s account, would weigh more with the president – who seeks a second term – when the chips are down?  Bwala, who bailed out at the first hint of ticket danger, would weigh more than Wike – hate him or love him – who grinded everything out, when the danger was red-hot, though he belonged to the rival PDP?

    What hubris!  Folks who enjoy the grace of second chances should learn to be humble!

    The other is Ajibola Basiru, PhD, eminent lawyer and a former senator to boot, from Osun, South West!  Did former Senator Basiru think national visibility, as APC national scribe, equate a full grasp and control of local politics?

    Well, if he did, he has learnt nothing from his predecessor, Iyiola Omisore! Once-upon-a-time, Omisore enjoyed that exact klieg light.  But it proved utterly useless when issues returned to the realpolitik of Osun politics.  Pray, how did national secretary-emeritus help Omisore’s umpteenth bid for Osun governor 2026?

    Just as well Basiru is walking back his talk!  He and Bwala ought to have been far more circumspect.  If they cannot ease their principal’s bid for a second term, they should avoid empty noise that could make it tougher.

    But back to Rivers emergency rule and its plus-and-minus for embattled Governor Fubara.  Yes, it could have been worse: that emergency shunted him aside for six months. But it also preserved his battered office.  Had emergency rule not come as some contrived wonder-machine, which froze his looming impeachment, he would probably have been history by now.

    True, no one could have predicted the political thunder to follow that interregnum, including the Armageddon his famed “Ijaw youths” could have unleashed in the creeks.  But no meltdown could have restored him to office, except the courts fault his impeachment processes.  It’s the grim beauty of the rule of law!

    That is why it is tragic that the governor seems to have forgotten the baleful, shrieking, if impotent, voices that last pushed him to the brink, while he committed impeachable offences that would have made his political guillotining a breeze.  He seems repeating the same mistake, post-emergency.  Sad!

    Between Wike (warts and all) and Fubara (all guile, little gumption), is a huge study in contrasts.

    Wike’s politics, no matter its rough exterior, shows a sure-footed mastery of his environment, mastering the push before they come to the shove.  Outside politics qua politics, he has also proved a brilliant policy boss.  That is clear from his records, both as Rivers two-term governor, and as sitting FCT minister. 

    That’s why it’s such a laugh: the clearly sponsored media hysteria, calling for his sack – for what exactly?  For showing, so far, a near-complete mastery of his Rivers political environment: morphing from a strict PDP partisan to cobbling together a cross-party ensemble he dubs the Rivers Renewed Hope Ambassadors, for Tinubu’s reelection in 2027?  Or: for brilliantly delivering on his FCT ministerial mandate?

    Put Fubara on a similar podium and what do you see?  A 21st century Greek, Icarus, in the thunder of Rivers politics!  Daedalius had warned his son, Icarius, not to fly too close to the sun, lest the heat melt the wax that grafted his wings!  But in the euphoria of the moment, Icarus soared too high, got his wax melted, and plunged into the sea!

    The classic making of Sim the Tragic: this running, gripping, all-riveting tale of self-doom?  Yet, with a tad of political gumption, it just might have been doom avoidable!

    Still, is Wike’s own politics all that immaculate?  Hardly!  Wike seems deaf to the wails of the drum he beats, ever so violently.  As the drum wails, he beats it even more.  That the drum might tear hardly ever occurs to him! Wike’s hamartia? He never knows when to stop!  But until that drum tears, he holds the ace!

    Let Fubara change tack, if it’s not already too late.  He should renounce any pretence to a second term.  He has made enough bungle of his gubernatorial tour of thorns.

  • Wike inaugurates NDDC 9.4km road, 1,500-seater hall in Rivers community

    Wike inaugurates NDDC 9.4km road, 1,500-seater hall in Rivers community

    • They are Renewed Hope dividends of democracy, says Ogbuku

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated 9.4-kilometre Ogu Community Road Network and a 1,500-seater Royal Hall built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Ogu, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the two projects, Wike said they were further demonstrations of the Federal Government’s determination to develop the Niger Delta region.

    He said: “I am overwhelmed by the current level of development in Ogu, facilitated by the NDDC. I have seen the network of concrete roads with drainages and I am impressed.

    “The NDDC has impacted positively on the lives of the people of Ogu, and this is largely because of the working understanding between the NDDC Managing Director and the Executive Director, Finance and Administration.

    “This is the first time I am participating in the activities of the NDDC, and this is because I am satisfied with the performance of the current leadership of the Commission. They have demonstrated that they are working for the people.”

    Read Also: Individuals must file tax returns by March 31, employers, January 31 – Oyedele

    The Minister in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Communications, Seledi Thompson-Wakama charged all government agencies to join hands to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    In his speech, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the road and the town hall as dividends of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He noted that the NDDC was spreading the good news of President Tinubu through tangible results.

    He described the FCT Minister as a “champion of development,” with footprints in Rivers State and the nation’s capital.

    Ogbuku restated the commission’s commitment to the mandate given to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

    Ogbuku affirmed that the commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in developing the Niger Delta region.

    In his own remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that the people of Ogu were full of joy over the projects and reassured them that the present board of the Commission would not relent in spreading development to all communities.

    In his project brief, the NDDC Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Gbenga Omowale, explained that the Ogu Community Road Network (Phases 1 and 2) comprised a 9.450 km rigid pavement road with an average width of 7.3m.

    According to him, the road project covered a total of 12,600km of reinforced concrete line drains, slabs and ring culverts.

    Omowale said the road would provide an easy, accessible network connecting the villages in Ogu and its neighbouring communities, as well as improve socio-economic conditions in the communities along the alignment.

    On the Royal Hall, the Director explained that the 1,500-seater capacity town hall was furnished with state-of-the-art fittings, including firefighting equipment, at strategic positions, acoustic walls to ensure efficient sound filter and heat absorption, multiple air conditioners to ensure the comfort of the users and an efficient public sound system.

    In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for executing various projects in the Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area. He commended the vision and leadership of the NDDC Board and Management, noting that the quality of the projects was exceptional.

  • Rivers, Wike’s Renewed Hope family clash over alleged denial of venue

    Rivers, Wike’s Renewed Hope family clash over alleged denial of venue

    • We did no such thing, stadium under construction, says the govt

    Rivers State Government and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), led by the Minister of Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, have disagreed over the group’s claim that the government refused to approve the Yakubu Gowon Stadium located in Port Harcourt for the RHA’s inauguration in the state.

     The RHA, which is the main campaign movement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term, alleged that the denial of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led government forced it to hold its inauguration at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic on Friday.

     The Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, while addressing the mammoth crowd that attended the event, first accused the government of denying the group access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

     Wike reinforced the allegation and dared Fubara to lock up the stadium again and see what would happen.

     The minister said the organisers had applied to use the stadium for the event, but that the governor refused to approve it.

    READ ALSO: The Economist: Nigeria’s economy moving from the brink

     He threatened that they would force themselves into the facility if the governor repeated a similar action.

     He said:  “We had called (applied) to the state government for the General Gowon Yakubu Stadium. They refused us. Let me say next time they do this, if you don’t approve it, we will break it by force. So the coordinator of the state wrote again to the state government and chose a day to inaugurate the ward level; I want to say it for everybody to hear. Enough is enough.

     “We are all from Rivers State; nobody can deny us the facilities of the state. If you don’t agree to give us, we will do the needful. And we will take it by force. Heaven will never fall. Even when heaven falls, everywhere will be at peace.”

     A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was inaugurated as the Coordinator for Rivers West; the Executive Director, Finance, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Boma Iyaye, Rivers East;  While the Executive Director, Projects of the South-South Development Commission, Chief Marcus Nle-Eji, would coordinate Rivers South-East.

     Wike said Rivers was the first state to inaugurate the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ coordinators, adding that other states would follow in no distant time.

     He said: “Let me thank the coordinator of the state of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for what you and your members at the local government level have done and the senatorial districts led Boma Iyaye (Rivers East Senatorial District), Marcus Nle-Eji (Rivers South-East) and Felic Obuah (Rivers West) for thus massive mobilization that you have done today, by inaugurating the coordinators of Renewed Hope Agenda in Rivers State.

     “This is the first in this country. We challenge any state to come and do the same thing we have done. I know after today, each state is coming to inaugurate their state chapters. Rivers State will always lead the way.”

    Wike, “Support is not by mouth. You have shown commitment. You don’t have your governor with you, yet you said you’re supporting Mr President and you will do everything humanly possible to return Mr President by special grace in 2027.”

     He referred to the N600billion left in the state coffers by the immediate past Administrator of the State, Ibok Ete-Ibas, but said the people under the Renewed Hope Family, with their little resources, would deliver President Tinubu in 2027

     He said: “Look at the vehicles there, you don’t need N600billion. You don’t need it. All you need is commitment, and you have shown it. What you have done today, let me remind you, will bring a lot of envy, will bring a lot of hatred. Don’t mind that. Be committed and continue to support Mr President.”

     He urged the people to support the candidates who emerged in the last APC primary elections ahead of the state constituency poll.

     He said, “It has never happened in any state. No matter what we are doing, we have led the way as usual. Let me thank Mr President for supporting the Joint Coalition to produce the candidate for the February 2026 state constituency election.

     “Mr President has given the Joint Coalition to make sure in Khana Constituency 2 we support Mrs Burabari Loloo. In Ahoada State Constituency 2, we support Napoleon Okadikpe.

     “These are the candidates of the joint coalition. Anywhere you are, these are the candidates you will support for the February 2026 election.”

     He recalled that when he visited the various local government areas on a thank-you visit, he told them politics would start in January.

     “Now the time has come, and we have started the politics. Everybody go home, whether you’re in PDP, APC, or you don’t belong to any political party, but remember the Joint Coalition. Go and vote for our two candidates in the February constituency election 2026,” he said.

     He added: “We are not quarrelling with anybody except those who are quarrelling themselves. We are here, we will never disappoint you, and we will tell you the truth. We have not completed this journey. We must go and make sure this is ward-by-ward, unit-by-unit, and we will take a date to make sure we inaugurate them.

     “I have told the leadership of the party. Nobody should be intimidated. We are here to support you. The members of the elders’ council have agreed to make a greater commitment to ensure each ward gets a bus to make sure they campaign for the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

     Reacting to the allegations, the Rivers State Government described them as false and misleading, explaining that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium was currently undergoing reconstruction and was unsafe for public use.

     The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, who inspected the facility, said the allegation had no basis.

     Sirawoo, who toured the stadium alongside the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, under the guidance of the site engineer, said the level of ongoing reconstruction made it impossible for any group to use the facility at this time.

     He advised political leaders in the state to place the interest of Rivers State above political ambitions, noting that there is life after politics.

     He added that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained committed and was at the forefront of efforts to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu.

     Also, the Commissioner for Sports, who also served as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Christopher Green, said his office did not receive any formal request for the use of the stadium.

     Green described the allegation as baseless, noting that even the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, where the inauguration was eventually held, is a Rivers State Government–owned facility.

     The site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, who led government officials on the inspection tour, said the stadium was currently in a delicate condition, warning that heavy human traffic could damage underground pipes beneath the pitch.

     He also spoke of the serious safety hazards in the VIP sections and other areas under reconstruction.

     He stressed that the contracting firm, Monimichelle, remained committed to the safety of lives and property and would not permit the use of facilities undergoing renovation for any event, regardless of political affiliation.

  • Abuja indigenes dismiss calls for Wike’s sack

    Abuja indigenes dismiss calls for Wike’s sack

    The coalition of FCT indigenes and residents organisations have condemned the persistent calls for the sack of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

    The indigenes urged President Bola Tinubu to shun all naysayers behind such calls.

    The coalition led by Princess Ajibola said 

    since the appointment of Wike,.the city has  witnessed a renewed sense of purpose, urgency, and direction. 

    She said the FCT is no longer defined by abandoned projects, endless excuses, or policy paralysis. Instead, we see action, courage, and results.

    “Across the city centre and the satellite towns, long-neglected infrastructure is receiving attention. Critical road projects are being completed or revived. Urban renewal is no longer a slogan—it is a reality. Public order, land administration reforms, and the restoration of Abuja’s master plan are being pursued with uncommon political will. For the first time in a long while, residents can clearly see where leadership is headed.

    “We, the indigenes and residents of the FCT, say clearly today: we see the work, and we appreciate the work.

    “Leadership is not about pleasing everyone; it is about doing what is right for the common good. Transforming a capital city as complex as Abuja requires firmness, clarity of vision, and the courage to take difficult decisions. Minister Wike has demonstrated these qualities without apology.

    “Let it be on record that the people of the FCT stand with him. We stand with him because development is happening. We stand with him because governance has direction. We stand with him because Abuja deserves leadership that works—not leadership that watches.

    “However, we must also speak plainly.

    To those who see progress as a threat to their personal interests; to those who thrive on chaos, abandoned projects, and policy failure; to political detractors and professional distractors who are uncomfortable with results— we issue a firm and responsible warning.

    “The FCT is not a battleground for political vendettas. It is the capital of our nation and the home of millions of law-abiding citizens. Attempts to distract, malign, or sabotage genuine efforts at development will be resisted—not with violence, but with civic unity, lawful engagement, and the power of public opinion.

    “We call on all political actors to put Abuja first. Allow the Minister to continue his work. Allow projects to be completed. Allow reforms to take root. Democracy thrives when leaders are judged by performance, not propaganda.

    Read Also: Wike hands over fully equipped ambulance buses to FCT hospitals

    “As a coalition, we reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement, peace, and national unity. We believe that when Abuja works, Nigeria works. When the capital reflects order, development, and fairness, the nation benefits.

    Honourable Minister, we encourage you to remain focused. The voices of distraction are loud, but the voices of grateful citizens are louder. History will remember those who built, not those who tried to pull down.

    “In conclusion, we say with one voice:

    Transform the capital. Complete the work. The people are with you.

    God bless the Federal Capital Territory.

    “At this point, we must expressly appreciate and commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his vision, courage, and statesmanship in appointing Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, as the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Mr. President’s decision rose above political affiliations, electoral history, and narrow sentiments. It reflected a clear understanding that nation-building requires competence, capacity, and courage, wherever they may be found. By this appointment, Mr. President placed national interest above partisan considerations—and the results are evident for all to see.

    “We note with appreciation that President Tinubu himself has, on several occasions, openly commended the Honourable Minister for his performance, dedication, and commitment to delivering results in the FCT. This presidential commendation is not symbolic; it is a reflection of measurable progress and effective governance,” she said

  • Wike hands over fully equipped ambulance buses to FCT hospitals

    Wike hands over fully equipped ambulance buses to FCT hospitals

    …warns workers against sabotaging government efforts

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to overhauling the health sector and enhancing emergency services in the nation’s capital.

    Wike, who made the pledge in Abuja on Thursday, while presenting 12 state-of-the art ambulances to FCT hospitals, explained that the move was a critical component of a broader strategy to ensure that no sector be it infrastructure, education, or health is left behind under the current administration.

    Addressing critics who questioned the administration’s initial focus on road construction, Wike explained that without the construction of roads, it would be impossible to deploy ambulances during emergency situations.

    Wike said, “So many people were saying why are we concentrating on road infrastructure, why are we not focusing on education? But people forget that these ambulances may break down when there are no good roads. When it is an emergency period for you to convey patients and the roads are not in motorable condition, then the whole essence of emergency vehicles becomes useless. So, first things first, and that’s what we have been able to do.”

    While emphasizing the commitment of the FCT Administration to improving the health sector, the Minister further disclosed that the administration was currently in the procurement phase for the rehabilitation and furnishing of 14 health centers across the FCT.

    He equally confirmed that the FCT Civil Service Commission has been directed to commence the employment of new personnel to address staffing shortages in the FCT Health sector.

    The Minister used the occasion to also address the recent indefinite strike action by the FCT Joint Union Action Committee, which has been halted by the National Industrial Court.

    He explained that, although litigation was not the best choice, the FCTA was left with no other option than to go to court after its appeals to workers to shelve their strike were ignored. 

    Wike noted that the administration had reasonably met the demands of the workers, but added that some people with political interests, unfortunately, hijacked the labour struggle to sabotage the efforts of the government.

    The Minister however reemphasized that the administration was open to dialogue to ensure industrial harmony and advised workers to be law-abiding.

    He said; “To workers and some of us who are management staff, who sabotage the efforts of the government, I’ve said that the whole essence is to have dialogue. Where there are problems, you sit down and say these problems, I can solve this now, leave this for me tomorrow and I will be able to do it tomorrow.

    “If you make a request or a demand for five items for example and the government says okay, we can take up three items and thereafter, we take up the other two items, if you are really sincere, if there is no objective behind it, there is no way you will not accept. But when you leave it and begin to join issues with us as politicians, we will of course treat you as politicians,

    “I can’t sit here as a Minister and I see a political opponent trying to run the administration down using some people. No government will shut its eyes and allow that to happen. This society is not a lawless society.”

    “So, I appeal to all of you, forget this thing that you say you will go and block the gate and you will not obey court order…I appeal to all of you, senior staff, management staff and the junior staff, nobody will sit to say you are not entitled to get your entitlement. Except that person is an extremist. I appeal to all of you to have a reconsideration and allow peace to reign for the development of the FCT”.

    Read Also: Sanction awaits FCTA workers who fail to obey court order – Wike

    The FCT Minister, while highlighting the financial health of the FCT Administration and the institutional progress recorded under his tenure, however, explained that the government could not commit its entire resources to workers welfare as it also needs to fund the ongoing massive infrastructure development across the capital territory.

    Speaking earlier, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe praised the FCT Minister’s people-oriented governance and thanked the Minister for his support to the FCT Health Sector.

    Dr Fasawe, who also described the presentation of ambulances to FCT hospitals as a reflection of the FCTA’s commitment to emergency preparedness and improved health outcome for all who reside in the FCT, further noted that improved roads in areas like Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada have significantly shortened emergency response times in the FCT.

    She also confirmed that the FCT is currently the only state/territory that has paid all medical allowances, including the medical residency training fund and hazard allowances, up to date.

    Dr Fasawe who highlighted other interventions in the FCT health sector said; “These interventions together, when we reflect on them, show a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high quality and responsible healthcare for the people of the FCT. On behalf of the health sector, we sincerely appreciate the Minister for this support and commitment”.

    Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Kumshida Yakubu who also attended the event, commended the FCTA’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and pledged the continued support of his organization to help the FCT achieve its health goals.

  • Sanction awaits FCTA workers who fail to obey court order – Wike

    Sanction awaits FCTA workers who fail to obey court order – Wike

    …says he is open to dialogue

    …I was not chased out of office – minister

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday addressed the strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), urging them to return to work or face legal consequences following a National Industrial Court ruling that ended the industrial action.

    Briefing reporters shortly after the court’s decision, Wike stressed that the rule of law must prevail and accused political actors of exploiting the strike for agendas unrelated to workers’ welfare.

    He stated that the FCTA approached the court after determining that the strike had been “hijacked by politicians,” despite the administration’s ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue and fulfill a substantial portion of workers’ demands.

    The minister added that mediation efforts were already in progress before the industrial action escalated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of its staff.

    “The administration was already in the process of mediation when some politicians hijacked the strike,” Wike said, adding that several of the demands presented by workers were “frivolous” and either unreasonable or already addressed.

    He said, “We believed in dialogue and engagement. We felt the issues could be resolved through discussion. But when it became clear that politicians were about to hijack the strike, we had no choice but to seek legal intervention. We decided to allow the court to determine, on merit, what the real issues were and whether the demands were justified.

    “This is a democracy. Everyone has the right to protest. But strike action should always be the last option. If workers ask for 14 days and the government has already addressed the issues within 10 days, there should be room for understanding and patience.

    “Security agencies and the administration engaged with the workers, but it became obvious that there was more to the situation.”

    He maintained that the FCTA had made substantial efforts to meet workers’ concerns, including the payment of salaries and the introduction of reforms within the civil service.

    Wike disclosed that more than ₦12billion has just been approved for the payment of January salaries to FCTA workers, a move he said demonstrated the administration’s commitment to staff welfare.

    The minister also cited improved revenue performance as evidence of reforms under his leadership, stating that the FCT had generated more than ₦30bn in internally generated revenue (IGR), which he described as a significant increase compared with previous years.

    Wike urged workers to acknowledge reforms undertaken by the administration, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and investments in infrastructure across the territory.

    He argued that inefficiencies within the public service had contributed to underdevelopment not only in the FCT but in many states across Nigeria.

    “Workers are largely responsible for the lack of development in states, including the FCT,” he said.

    The minister also dismissed claims circulating on social media that he had been forced out of his office during protests linked to the strike.

    He described the reports as false, saying he had merely stepped out of the office to see President Bola Tinubu off at the Airport.

    “I was never chased out of the office,” Wike said.

    Read Also: Adeyanju backs Wike over construction of Apo-Karshi road

    Adopting a hardline tone, Wike warned against any further disruption of government operations, saying that attempts to lock government premises would attract severe consequences.

    “Anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a scapegoat, because the law must be obeyed,” he said.

    He further alleged that some senior officials within the civil service had played a role in sustaining the strike, claiming that certain directors were among those instigating the action.

    However, he said this would not deter the administration from what he described as doing the right thing.

    Wike stressed that engagement between workers and the government did not require direct access to him personally, noting that workers’ representatives had been in discussions with management throughout the dispute.

    The minister cautioned that workers who failed to comply with the court order and resume duties from Wednesday would face legal action, signaling a tougher enforcement phase as the FCTA moves to restore full public services in the nation’s capital.

    Wike said, “No one will stagnate this administration through blackmail or political games. If anyone wants to engage politically, they should do so openly.”