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Tag: Wike

  • I’m taking bold steps to revitalise Abuja – Wike

    I’m taking bold steps to revitalise Abuja – Wike

    …advocates for special intervention fund 

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has affirmed the current administration’s commitment to making difficult but necessary decisions to transform Abuja, regardless of entrenched interests.

    Speaking at a monthly media chat held at his Life Camp Official Residence monitored by our correspondent, Wike emphasised that the FCT is now “working” due to a willingness to address long-standing issues that his predecessors shied away from.

    The minister described the current administration as having the courage to “annoy people” and “step on toes” in the pursuit of good governance.

    He stated, “People had said that FCT was not working and now FCT is working. I’m doing things that they refused to do. I have found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes”.

    The Minister further elaborated on his approach, expressing satisfaction in holding powerful individuals accountable.

    “I take joy when I step on the toes of big men. Those who say that nothing will happen, I take joy in saying that something will happen. All you want me to do is to take decisions against the poor people, but you, the rich man, nothing will happen. Something will happen, and that’s why we are getting results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care. The only person I owe an explanation to is Mr. President.”

    Wike stressed that his decisions are driven solely by a commitment to good governance and national progress, rather than any regional or religious affiliations.

    “I’m not doing it because I’m from a certain place or I belong to a certain religion. I’m doing it because I have to support the government, I have to make a difference,” he said.

    The minister also reiterated the FCTA’s firm stance on collecting outstanding ground rents, some dating back 30 years, to combat impunity and ensure the availability of funds for infrastructure development.

    He dismissed claims of insufficient notice, stating that the condition for ground rent payment is clearly outlined in title grants.

    Wike challenged those complaining about the enforcement to acknowledge and pay up their ground rent arrears, emphasizing that without revenue, essential infrastructure cannot be provided.

    Speaking on the upcoming plethora of commissioning of completed projects in the FCT to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s second year anniversary, the Minister announced an ambitious 19-day program, commencing on June 10th.

    He said Tinubu is expected to personally commission some key projects, including the long-awaited International Conference Centre, while other senior officials will also inaugurate additional impactful initiatives.

    This will be followed by the flag-off of new projects slated for completion to celebrate the President’s third year in office.

    Read Also: Wike’s camp clashes with Fubara on reconciliation

    Addressing concerns about Transparency and Accountability in Financial Management, following the FCTA’s exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Wike stressed that exiting the TSA has removed bureaucratic bottlenecks, enabling the FCTA to access funding through its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and participate in the larger financial market, thereby accelerating project execution.

    In efforts to improve mass transportation and bolster security, the Minister announced the provision of bus terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District.

    These terminals, he said, will be inaugurated by President Tinubu this month, with budgetary provisions for buses to be run by profiled and registered private operators, supervised by the FCT Transport Secretariat.

    Speaking about the Abuja Master Plan, the Minister lamented that the government’s efforts to protect the Master Plan are often politicized along ethnic and religious lines.

    He cited the case of the Kpaduma community in Asokoro, where road infrastructure development was obstructed despite compensation payments, asserting that structures along road corridors will be removed to implement the Master Plan.

    Regarding the striking primary school teachers, Wike confirmed that a committee has made actionable recommendations that would be implemented to address the non-payment of the new minimum wage.

    He also noted that past measures included providing funds to alleviate the situation.

    On the inclusivity of the indigenous people of the FCT, the Minister highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to the FCT’s original inhabitants, who now have unprecedented representation with two Mandate Secretaries, and an FCT Head of Service from the indigenous community.

    He added that at least two FCT indigenes are now Permanent Secretaries, fostering inclusivity in governance.

    Addressing water supply challenges, the Minister stated that agreements have been reached with the Chinese Overseas construction giant, CGC, for the supply of water to satellite towns.

    He urged residents to pay their taxes to enable the provision of basic infrastructure, emphasising that the FCT is not an oil city and receives only one percent of federal government revenue.

    Wike also advocated for a special intervention fund for FCT development.

    The minister, while also addressing other development concerns, stated that 85% of the FCT’s 2025 capital budget is dedicated to completing ongoing projects, with 15% earmarked for new projects, dependent on aggressive revenue generation.

    On whether the FCTA will also focus attention on other sectors of the economy, like housing, outside of road construction, the FCT Minister stressed the foundational role of road infrastructure in development.

    He explained that the FCTA is aggressively providing road networks across the city centre and satellite towns to ensure even development and enhance food security by ensuring access to farmlands.

  • Wike’s camp clashes with Fubara on reconciliation

    Wike’s camp clashes with Fubara on reconciliation

    The political camp of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, has disagreed with the comments of the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, that reconciliation has reached an advanced stage to restore democratic governance in the state.

    Fubara had on Thursday while speaking in a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement said that the peace and reconciliation process required to restore all executive and legislative institutions and offices in the state was already underway.

    Fubara assured that democracy and good governance would soon return in the state, with both arms working together for the good of the people.

    He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his wisdom in the declaration of emergency rule and assured that he was at the verge of reconciling with Wike, whom he referred to as his oga.

    He said:  “I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices; not just at the Executive arm, but also Legislative arm.

    “And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”

    “We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different.

    “I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.

    “There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga”, in reference to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, adding, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”

    Fubara said that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve and promised to continue to show respect for the people of the State, who entrusted him with the mandate.

    Read Also: Tinubu rescued Rivers with emergency rule, says Fubara

    “One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them. I’m with you completely”.

    But Wike on Monday during his media chat described the claims of Fubara as radio and television reconciliation suggesting that the suspended Governor had not taken the required steps to show his willingness for peace.

    A former Local Government Chairman of Emohua in Rivers State, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, said on Monday that Fubara was not sincere with the reconciliation process.

     Insisting that Fubara was playing the ostrich, Lloyd said: “We know him very well, having worked with him for some time. He is a man who says something and does a different thing. He tries to play the ostrich. That is what he does. But he forgets that it is only the head of the ostrich that is in the sand; the entire body is outside.

    “He will tell others that he has settled with his oga, but the oga has not seen him in the past two months. That is not the kind of thing we need now. When a man wants to make peace, it will show. The Bible says to pursue peace with all men. It will show”.

    Lloyd advised Fubara to go through the process of genuine reconciliation by meeting with members of the House of Assembly and other aggrieved stakeholders including former local government chairmen.

    He said: “What kind of peace are you making? You have not met with the state Assembly, the major people that you have the issues with and the disagreement is protracted up to the Supreme Court and the court made a decision.

     “I said to those who cared to listen after that judgement that in this scenario, Governor Fubara is a prisoner of war, and a prisoner of war does not dictate to his captors. It is left for him to stoop to conquer.

    “He met the minister, and the minister said it was not about him; that it is about the structure. The minister is an astute politician, and he would not want to say that because they have come to see him, everything is alright.

    “The problem was protracted, the assembly; the former council chairman, who he abruptly sacked from office after seizing their allocations for three months and then karma came and suspended him. That is why we must be very careful the things we do. So, he needs to meet with these people.

    “The movies that we watch today, there are behind the scenes that you do not see. As a governor, go to these people, call the speaker and tell him, ‘Mr Speaker, I am sorry, let bygones be bygones. You know, I have never been a governor before. All of us are learning. It is a learning curve.

    “The Speaker will, in turn, speak to the other members. These are people whose salaries you seize for two years. Some of them, their wives have left them; some couldn’t pay school fees for their children”.

    When asked where the suspended governor derived his confidence that the emergency rule would soon be lifted, he said: “It depends on those, who are talking to him. He was the one that told us that he had spent a lot of money on this matter.

    “There must be some people telling him that he would come back soon. They gave us the 29th of May date. It didn’t work; they said now it is June 12th. Let’s listen to June 12.  But the Bible book of Amos, chapter 3, verse 3 says ‘can two work together except they agree?’

    “Let’s even assume, though not concede that on June 12 they will bring him back, the problem will still be there, and that will bring us to what Ola Rotimi said in his play The Gods Are Not to Blame. He said Until the rotten tooth is pulled out, the mouth will continue to chew with caution”.

  • Why there’s partial disruption of water supply in FCT – Wike

    Why there’s partial disruption of water supply in FCT – Wike

     Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the disruption of water supply in Abuja city and some satellite towns is due to the ongoing major rehabilitation of two treatment plants.

    Wike disclosed this in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Sunday.

    He said that the treatment plants were among the four facilities responsible for the production and supply of water to FCT residents.

    The minister said that due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the plants, water supply from the two functioning treatment plants would be rationed for a period of two weeks.

    “What is being experienced is a partial and not a total shutdown of the entire water supply to the residents of FCT, as two of the water treatment plants are still in operation.

    “SCC Nigeria Ltd. is, however, working 24/7 to ensure that the rehabilitation are concluded before the scheduled time.

    “Residents are, therefore, urged to store enough water to cater for their needs during this period, as supply will be rationed,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Wike explains water shortage in Abuja, says rehabilitation of treatment plants underway

    Wike appealed to the residents to bear with the FCT Administration, assuring that the rehabilitation, when completed, would improve water supply in the FCT.

    He, however, said that the two plants undergoing rehabilitation would be temporarily powered to supply water to residents during Sallah celebrations.

    “The FCT Water Board operates four water treatment plants of 30,000m3/hour, which are divided into Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4.

    “As a result of the inefficiency of the plants, which are currently producing below their installed capacity, a contract was awarded for their rehabilitation to Messrs SCC Nigeria Ltd.

    “The rehabilitation works have reached an advanced stage on Phases 1 and 2 where the electro-mechanical equipment, which is the prime mover of the treatment plants, are to be replaced and reinstalled.

    “This warranted a total shutdown of the two plants, which are interconnected.

    “However, phases 3 and 4 water treatment plants are operational but won’t sustain, meet or cater for the demands of the populace,” he said.

    Wike said that the Water Board had made a rationing time-table by alternating between lines 1 and 2 of the distribution network.

    This, according to him, will minimise the adverse effects of inadequate water supply to FCT residents. (NAN)

  • Tinubu, Wike delivering tangible economic change in FCT, says APC reconciliation chair

    Tinubu, Wike delivering tangible economic change in FCT, says APC reconciliation chair

    Chairman of the Unity and Reconciliatory Committee (URC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Jibrin Wowo, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for delivering concrete dividends of democracy to residents of the FCT as his administration marks its second anniversary.

    Sen. Wowo noted that President Tinubu has led the nation with the clarity and determination of a visionary leader, particularly in advancing development within the FCT, and therefore deserves commendation for his achievements over the past two years.

    He particularly commended the people-oriented policies and programmes of the APC-led administration, highlighting the directive by the FCT Minister to compensate residents affected by ongoing development projects as a notable example.

    In a statement on Sunday, the FCT Chapter Chairman emphasized that the administration’s performance over the past two years has validated the confidence reposed in President Tinubu by the electorate, especially in his capacity to guide the nation towards meaningful socio-economic progress.

    He noted that without the bold and decisive steps taken by President Tinubu, the country would not have recorded the significant progress witnessed in key sectors such as the economy, education, and infrastructure.

    “I commend the President for being courageous, such that two years down the line, our party, the APC in the Federal Capital Territory, can tell you that the temporal pains experienced by commuters in the Territory from Zuba to the Central Business District (CBD), Kubwa to CBD, Bwari to CBD and all its environs have been eased with the completion of the Mabushi Bridge.

    “Also our people have seen the changes at the Nicon Junction axis that opens the way up to Gwarinpa.

    “This infrastructural deployment by the President through the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike came out of audacious belief in growth and development and would ease movements in the FCT reducing passenger time to and from work daily.”

    Acknowledging the efforts of the FCT Minister in driving development across the Territory, the APC chieftain commended his commitment to ensuring that set targets are not derailed, saying, “The Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, who came ready to Work, requested for the President to remove all bureaucratic encumbrances and thereafter justified his mandate as Minister and transformed major arteries of the city. 

    “I say congratulations Mr. President, congratulation All Progressives Party (APC) and congratulations to our working FCT Minister”.

    While commending the ongoing developmental strides in the FCT, Wowo expressed satisfaction that no area is being left behind but appealed for the inclusion of residents in the Gishiri area to ensure they also benefit from the infrastructure projects carried out in the overriding public interest.

    “Mr President, I commend you for the swift compensation of the families displaced by this good work of territorial uplift. I am also delighted to hear that you did not leave the people behind in the area of compensation.

    “We are aware that the Minister, Nyesom Wike, empowered by your good office, was displeased over the poor handling of the resettlements and has given a stern warning that the people should be fully compensated.

    Read Also: Two years of President Tinubu: A business perspective by Abdul Samad Rabiu

    “Only a progressive government can tow this populist line, anchored on the broken chain and symbol of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “With your drive for infrastructure, which your lieutenant, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, is faithfully discharging will be recorded among the undeniable impact of the APC development initiative in the Territory,” he said.

    Wowo, who prayed to God to give the President more wisdom and strength to steer the nation, assured the President that, as chairman of the reconciliation committee, the visible impact of the government’s programmes and policies on the city and its residents has made the task of reconciling APC members significantly easier.

  • ‘I take joy in stepping on the toes of big men’ – Wike

    ‘I take joy in stepping on the toes of big men’ – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he finds personal satisfaction in holding powerful individuals accountable, especially those who believe they are untouchable under the law.

    Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Abuja, where he addressed the ongoing efforts to recover outstanding ground rents from property owners in the capital city.

    “Look at what we are doing differently. People have said that FCT was not working (but) now it is working which means I’m doing things that they (past FCT ministers) refused to do,” he said.

    “I found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes but I take joy when I step on the toes of big men; those who say nothing will happen but I say something will happen. It makes me happy.”

    Wike dismissed the idea of selective enforcement that targets only the poor, saying accountability must apply across the board.

    “All they want me to do is to make decisions against poor people saying nothing will happen to them but I say something will happen. That is why we are making results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care.”

    Read Also: Wike explains water shortage in Abuja, says rehabilitation of treatment plants underway

    The FCT Administration had earlier published the names of over 9,000 ground rent defaulters, warning of property forfeiture for debts ranging between 10 to 43 years. The list included individuals, corporations, and even political institutions.

    On May 23, 2025, the administration began taking over properties, including the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    However, President Bola Tinubu later granted a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their outstanding payments and penalties.

  • JUST IN: Wike fires Amaechi for ‘I’m hungry’ comments

    JUST IN: Wike fires Amaechi for ‘I’m hungry’ comments

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has fired back at former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi over his “I’m hungry” comments. 

    Speaking on Monday during a media parley monitored by The Nation, Wike carpeted Amaechi, noting that the latter was only hungry for power. 

    Amaechi last week while commenting on the state of the economy during an event organised to mark his 60th birthday anniversary said he was hungry. 

    He said: “We’re all hungry, all of us are. If you’re not hungry, I’m. For us, the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power, we can remove him from this power.

    “In Nigeria, there are no capitalist ideas among the politicians; it’s about sharing.”

    Amaechi served as two-term governor of Rivers state from 2007 to 2015 after which he was appointed as minister of transportation by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. He was also the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum from 2011 to 2015.

    Before becoming governor, he was the speaker of the Rivers house of assembly between 1999 and 2007. He had also served as the pioneer chairman of Nigeria’s conference of speakers of state assemblies

    Reacting, Wike said: “We’ve time to listen to junks in Nigeria. I don’t know why a man (Amaechi) will choose his 60th birthday to tell lies to Nigerians that you’re hungry. 

    “He was speaker in 1999-2007. He was a governor too from 2007 to 2015. He also became a minister from 2015-2023. He never spoke about hunger. 

    Read Also: Wike explains water shortage in Abuja, says rehabilitation of treatment plants underway

    “Now they are regrouping, They are only hungry for power. It shows failure on his part. How do you trivialise issue of hunger? You joined Atiku and claimed your hungry. It is just that you cannot stay out of power. Since 1999-2023, and Amaechi will stand before Nigerians and claim hunger. He was a former governor. He couldn’t give Buhari common 25% during election. He was even DG of campaign then. 

    “Thank God we didn’t support PDP. He would have taken the glory. He’s in a coalition, I don’t like talking talking. Let them form as a team, let him start from home (Rivers). 

    “Let see how he can remove the president. Is it a military coup? The term removal is synonymous to dictatorship or military coup. You saw what happened and what Nigerians passed through in 2015, and you’re claiming now that Nigerians are hungry. 

    “I’m not a liability, I’m an asset. You may not like me. I’m an asset to ensuring that President Tinubu wins second term.”

  • Increased presence of scavengers, beggars poses security threat in FCT, Wike tells court 

    Increased presence of scavengers, beggars poses security threat in FCT, Wike tells court 

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the increasing rate of scavengers, beggars and homeless people in FCT is posing serious security threat to residents.

    Wike, in a counter affidavit filed in opposition to the case instituted on behalf of some vulnerable FCT residents, told Justice James Omotosho to dismiss the N500 million suit in its entirety.

    The minister, who made this known in the counter affidavit deposed to by Saidu Abdulkadir, an officer in the Legal Services Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and a copy sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said begging is not a trade known to law.

    NAN reports that the aggrieved residents, through a lawyer, Abba Hikima, had sued Wike and the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police as 1st and 2nd respondents, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

    Hikima, who is the applicant, also joined the Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Federal Government of Nigeria as 3rd to 6th respondents respectively.

    The minister said many of the “purported scavengers” have been arrested in the various acts of vandalising private and public property and in most cases serve as spies to kidnappers, criminals and terrorist organisations.

    Besides, Wike argued that the increasing presence of the homeless people and beggars, setting up makeshift shelters on the streets, corners and under bridges within the FCT without approval from him, goes against the developmental laws of the FCT and posses security threats to the lives and property of other residents of FCT.

    “The said homeless people who reside and sleep on public roads and under the bridges without any proper form of toilet system, rely heavily on open urination and defecation which liters the streets of Abuja and threatens the environment and health of fellow citizens within the FCT.”

    He said it is a violation of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Act,1997 for the applicant or any person to erect or construct any house, shed, kiosk or any other structure on an unauthorised place or in contravention of any plan or design, whether general or particular as may be prescribed by the appropriate authority.

    “The appropriate authority under the AEPB Act, 1997 is the 1st respondent,” he said.

    He said it is a violation of the AEPB Act, 1997 for the applicant or any person to urinate or defecate in an unauthorised or open place and that it is his responsibility to enforce the Abuja Master Plan.

    “The Abuja Master Plan is organised in an orderly manner with provision for every sector of the economy.

    “There are provisions for residential areas, business areas, religious and market places amongst athers.

    “As such, selling/hawking on the streets of Abuja other than the allocated market or commercial structures goes clearly against the FCT Master Plan and the AEPB Act 1997,” he said.

    According to him, the overwhelming presence of street beggars and hawkers within the FCT/City Centre defaces and degrades the serenity of tre FCT/City Centre and also poses great security threat.

    The minister said he also has the responsibility to execute the Federal Environmental Protection Act, and to address the welfare ard social needs of the residents of the FCT.

    He said in line with the relevant laws, the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of the FCTA was established in 2004 for the promotion of the social wellbeing of the FCT residents and protection of the rights of the vulnerable, indigent, aged and destitutes.

    He said in view of the above, the FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari was established to train and equip these vulnerable individuals with skills to help them become self-dependent.

    “Despite the efforts of the 1st respondent (minister) in paragraph 29 above, many of the purported vulnerable people refuse to become self-dependent after learning these skills, rather, they choose to return to the streets of FCT to continue with their menace.

     “The 1st respondent has continued to insist on training, equipping, rehabilitating and alleviating the challenges of the vulnerable, indigent, aged and destitutes in the FCT as begging is not a trade known to law.”

    He said those amongst the vulnerable who refused to enroll in different skills acquisition programmes posed security, health and environment threat to the safety of motorist, passersby, lives and property of individual and public installations.

    Wike denied breaching the fundamental rights of the vulnerable people or dehumanising them in the FCT

    According to him, there is no evidence of such extortion, maltreatment and detention before the court.

    The minister said the so-called three vulnerable persons that Hikima claimed to be enforcing their fundamental rights in his suit were faceless individuals as he had not in anyway shown that such persons actually exist.

    “The claim of the applicant that he witnessed the maltreatment and extortion of the three individuals by the agents of the respondents is merely a figment of his imagination as he has not exhibited anything before the court to show that such an incident ever occurred.

    “The 1st respondent has the duty of executing the Abuja Master Plan, keep the environment clean devoid of illegal structures, settlements and unauthorised activities,” the minster said

    DSS, in his counter affidavit deposed to by Musa Usman, an operative of the agency, vehemently denied all the allegations by Hikima.

    It said the agency neither arrested the deponent in the applicant’s affidavit, Musa Aliyu, or any other person at any time nor participated in any joint security operation with other sister security agencies on Nov. 12, 2024, as alleged by the applicant.

    It said contrary to the allegations, the DSS operations is not at the behest of the FCT minister.

    “The 3rd respondent (DSS) imbibes global best practices when carrying out its mandate, and is not known for violating the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other extant laws;”

    It argued that the applicant failed to adduce any material evidence to prove his allegations against the service.

    The DSS, which said that the applicant had not disclosed a reasonable cause of action against it, said it would not be in the interest of justice to grant an application filled with prevarications.

    The NSCDC (civil defence), in its counter affidavit deposed to by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all the allegations.

    In the application dated and filed April 15, the civil defence said it had not violated the applicant’s fundamental human rights in any way.

    The AGF, in his counter affidavit, equally prayed the court to discountenance the reliefs sought by the applicant.

    NAN reports that Hikima, filed the originating motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice Omotosho on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

    Hikima, in the suit dated Nov. 19, 2024 but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

    He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

    He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

    The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”

    “A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.”

    He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.

    “An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”

    Hikima averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, on the Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he sighted a motorcade of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars.

    He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless.

    According to him, the individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

    Read Also: Wike explains water shortage in Abuja, says rehabilitation of treatment plants underway

    He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims.

    He said he went back to the place where these persons were arrested and was able to get contacts of some of the victims.

    He said on Nov. 15, 2024, he organised a meeting with three of the victims namely, Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies were recorded and verily believed to be correct and true.

    The lawyer said the minister gave a directive for the arrest on Oct. 22, 2024, and that it was in the guise of enforcing the directive that the joint task force was constituted to carry out the directive.

    According to him, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria.

    He said the homelessness, begging and petty trading for which the trio of Abdullatif, Talatu and Judith were arrested, detained and humiliated was occasioned by the harsh and unbearable government policies being experienced all over the country.

    Hikima also attributes their plights to government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.

    The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure accountability for the respondents’ actions.

    (NAN)

  • Wike explains water shortage in Abuja, says rehabilitation of treatment plants underway

    Wike explains water shortage in Abuja, says rehabilitation of treatment plants underway

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has attributed the current water shortage in Abuja city centre and surrounding satellite towns to ongoing rehabilitation work on two of the four main water treatment plants serving the area.

    In a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister said water supply will be rationed over the next two weeks while the rehabilitation continues.

    Wike appealed for residents’ understanding, assuring them that the upgrade is aimed at improving service delivery and will be completed within two weeks.

    To cushion the impact during the upcoming Salah celebration, the Minister added that the two plants under rehabilitation will be temporarily activated to boost water supply during the festive period.

    He explained, “The FCT Water Board operates four water treatment plants of 30,000m3/hour, which are divided into Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4.

    “As a result of the inefficiency of the plants, which are currently producing below their installed capacity, a contract was awarded for their rehabilitation to Messrs SCC Nigeria Limited.

    “The rehabilitation works have reached an advanced stage on Phases 1 and 2, where the Electro-mechanical equipment, which is the prime mover of the treatment plants, is to be replaced and reinstalled.

    “This warranted a total shutdown of the two plants, which are interconnected.

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    “However, Phases 3 and 4 water treatment plants are operational but won’t sustain, meet or cater for the demand of the populace.

    “Therefore, what is being experienced is a partial shutdown, not a total shutdown of the entire potable water supply to the residents of FCT, as two of the water treatment plants are still in operation. But there is a partial disruption in water production and supply to the residents.

    “SCC is, however, working 24/7 to ensure that the works are concluded before the scheduled time.

    “Consequently, to minimise the adverse effects on the FCT residents, the Water Board has made a timetable on rationing by alternating between Lines 1 and 2 of the Distribution networks.

    “Residents are therefore urged to store enough water to cater for their needs during this period, as supply will be rationed.

  • Serious reforms in FCT transportation sector coming – Wike

    Serious reforms in FCT transportation sector coming – Wike

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Friday hinted of plans by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to further reform the transportation sector.

    Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the bus terminals and reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhanced security measures and organized bus and taxi services.

    Briefing reporters after inspecting the Kugbo and Mabushi bus terminals as well as the access road to Giri District, Wike said: “I’m very happy with what I have seen. The first time we went there, I expressed my dismay. We have gone there today, there are a lot of improvements and by the time the day for commissioning comes and you go back there, it will be something else.

    “Obviously, a lot of things will happen in the transport sector. There will be a lot of reforms. A Committee is working and before we get to commissioning, we will come up with our transport sector reforms because as part of security measures, we must know those who are involved in doing the taxi business and what colour so that if anything happens, we will be able to identify them.

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    “This time around, we are working to see that we don’t have a lot of parks on the road. And yes, it is a bus and taxi terminal, not just a bus terminal, so that those who they take to the bus terminal will board the taxis from there and go wherever they want to go.

    “When you fly all over the world, you ask yourself, every time we travel out, it’s another and another look we should be able to have. Some people, critics, will say what is wrong with them, they want to build a motor park.

    “You see how we degenerate. As far as I’m concerned, I’m very happy, I commend the local contractor, who has put in his best effort. We will continue to support them, so we can get the best from Nigeria too. So, we are happy, we are happy with what we’ve seen.

    “Now the issue of painted taxis comes to mind, now that we have bus terminals. Is there going to be a policy by your administration to differentiate between painted taxis and private car owners? To reform the transport sector?”

  • Wike knocks Senator Kingibe over Ground Rent saga

    Wike knocks Senator Kingibe over Ground Rent saga

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has expressed displeasure over comments by the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe faulting his decisions on the Ground Rent.

    Wike, in a statement by his  Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, cautioned Kingibe to purge herself of the hatred she is harboring against him and stop seeing issues from the angle of “I hate Wike.”

    Describing the Senator’s comment on the enforcement of payment of Ground Rent as ridiculously illogical, the FCT Minister’s spokesperson said land allocation is not unconditional, there are conditions that must be met and one of them is annual payment of Ground Rent.

    Kingibe, in a statement on Thursday had said: “It is important to clarify that ground rent, a tax charged and collected by state governments on land granted pursuant to the Lands (Title Vesting, etc.) Act of 1975, is not grounds for arbitrary property takeover. While the government retains the constitutional power to revoke land for overriding public interest, such revocation must strictly follow due legal process as stipulated under the Land Use Act and the Urban and Regional Planning Act, including the payment of due compensation.

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    “Therefore, no Nigeria’s property can be lawfully seized, revoked, or sealed solely on account of failure to pay ground rent. The penalty for such default is, by law, limited to a fine or surcharge, not the compulsory taking over or sealing of the property without recourse to the due process prescribed under Section 42 of the Land Use Act and other relevant provisions.

    “The indiscriminate and sometimes abrupt sealing of properties, often executed without proper notice, engagement, or adherence to legal procedure, only serves to deepen the economic distress of individuals, families, and business owners already facing mounting hardship. These actions undermine livelihoods, erode public trust in institutions, and risk destabilizing the fragile balance of social and economic stability within the FCT”.

    Olayinka said Ireti Kingibe recent diatribe against the FCT Minister was a further advertisement of her ignorance of the Land Use Act and penchant for seeking cheap political gains on every issue.

    He said; “It is ridiculously embarrassing that a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose duty is to make laws, is ignorant of the provisions of Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

    “For the education of Senator Kingibe, Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act provides that ‘The Government may revoke a Statutory Right of Occupancy on the ground of; (a) a breach of any of the provisions which a certificate of occupancy is by Section 10 deemed to contain; and (b) a breach of any term contained in the Certificate of Occupancy.

    “Now, is the annual payment of Ground Rent not part of the terms contained in the Certificate of Occupancy? Or Senator Kingibe just chose to advertise her myopic attitude to anything Wike?”

    The FCT Minister’s spokesperson said; “she should rather have said that landowners in the FCT have rights to refuse to pay necessary bills stated in the Certificate of Occupancy issued to them, and that when they so do, the government should simply pick samba and tambourine, and sing their praises.

    “Now, if land allottees refused to pay Ground Rent for 10 to 43 years, would Senator Ireti Kingibe just look away if she was the FCT Minister?”